Germany is deploying the Patriot long-range air defence system in Vilnius in preparation for the NATO summit, the Lithuanian Armed Forces said on Thursday.
“This is the first time that the Patriot system is performing combat tasks in Lithuania. Based on collective decisions, the deployment site is manned by a crew of the German Armed Forces, which will ensure the smooth functioning of the system,” the statement said.
According to the Armed Forces, other combat capabilities will be deployed in Lithuania in accordance with pre-defined plans, procedures, communications and logistics ideas in the run-up to the summit.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces are committing more than 3,000 troops to the event.
During the summit, the Lithuanian Armed Forces, together with allies, will additionally provide air defence, protection of critical facilities and important routes, protection of individuals, screening of accommodation and vehicles, and search for explosives in facilities.
The Vilnius NATO summit will take place on 11-12 July.
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