The Lithuanian Air Force Air Defence Battalion has begun receiving new NASAMS medium-range air defence equipment, the military announced on Monday.
Since late last week, missile launchers, fire control centres, radars, and other equipment have been delivered to the unit. This hardware will form a new medium-range air defence battery, which the military said will "significantly strengthen existing air defence capabilities of this type."
NASAMS is a Norwegian-made medium-range air defence system capable of destroying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles at a range of several dozen kilometres.
The system, which entered service with the Lithuanian military in 2020, is one of the most widely used medium-range air defence tools in NATO countries. It operates in integration with Lithuania's short-range air defence weaponry and airspace surveillance radars.
The second NASAMS battery was ordered in 2023, with full integration planned by the end of this year.
"The new NASAMS battery will allow for more efficient airspace surveillance and defence, increasing reaction speed and ensuring wider coverage of protected territory," the military said.
The primary task of the newly formed battery will be to provide medium-range air defence support for operations of the Lithuanian military's 1st Division.
A third NASAMS battery is expected to reach the country in 2028.
The first battery of HIMARS rocket artillery systems is also set to arrive in Lithuania this year, with funds also allocated for MSHORAD mobile short-range air defence systems.
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