Lithuania will purchase additional AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles compatible with NASAMS air defence systems, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday, following approval from the US State Department.
The deal is valued at up to 214 million dollars (approximately 183 million euros).
“Sidewinder missiles will complement Lithuania’s developing multi-layered air defence architecture and strengthen the capabilities of Lithuania and the entire NATO Alliance to counter airspace threats. This once again confirms the strong US commitment to European security,” said Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas.
The agreement includes Sidewinder training missiles along with engineering, technical, and logistical support, as well as other related programme elements. This acquisition follows a previous purchase worth 19.5 million dollars.
Combining both purchases, Lithuania is expected to receive a total of 168 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles. They are designed to destroy drones, helicopters, aircraft, and other aerial targets.
The US State Department stated that the deal strengthens NATO’s defensive capabilities, contributes to stability in Europe, and aligns with US security interests.
The primary manufacturer of the missiles in the US is RTX Corporation.
The missiles will be integrated with the Norwegian-made NASAMS medium-range air defence system, which has been in use in Lithuania since 2020. The country currently has one operational battery, a second is being integrated, and a third is planned for 2028.
Lithuania is allocating 4.8 billion euros (5.38 percent of GDP) for defence in 2025.
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