News2023.10.24 15:38

Lithuania to buy US air defence missiles

updated
BNS 2023.10.24 15:38

Lithuania is buying 36 AIM-120C-8 (AMRAAM) medium-range missiles from the United States for 94 million euros (100 million US dollars), the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency says.

AMRAAM missiles can be used with the NASAMS medium-range air defence system, currently in use by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

"We continue to ensure that the Lithuanian Armed Forces have sufficient ammunition. The AMRAAM missiles will be meant for our NASAMS medium-range air defense systems," said Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas.

The DSCA says these missiles "will improve Lithuania’s capability to conduct self-defence and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the US and other NATO members".

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the agency adds.

Lithuania received the first Norwegian-made NASAMS system in late 2020, and a second phase of the acquisition was initiated earlier this year. Vilnius has also purchased NASAMS launchers for Ukraine.

LRT has been certified according to the Journalism Trust Initiative Programme

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