The Lithuanian Armed Forces are ready to deploy a team of 10 demining specialists to support a US-led international mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said on Friday.
"About 10 Lithuanian troops are ready to deploy. They are fully prepared, and we will respond to requests from our allies," Kaunas told LRT TV on Friday.
According to the minister, military personnel are already on standby with a raised alert level. Following a formal request from allies, the team would depart within 10 days with all the necessary equipment and technical assets.
"We have always indicated that Lithuania is a reliable ally and will contribute to addressing security issues in the Strait of Hormuz," Kaunas said. "At the technical level, the armed forces are already coordinating the details among themselves."
Kaunas said no additional assets, such as ships, would be deployed.
"We can assign up to 40 personnel, but the allies' request was different, so at this stage these are technical details," the minister said.
He stressed that Lithuania had received no criticism from the US.
"We spent little time deliberating and worked efficiently. That is exactly what the US expects," he said.
It remains unclear how long the mission in the Strait of Hormuz could last.
Demining mission
According to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the team's primary task will be to detect, identify and neutralise naval mines and other explosive devices underwater.
To achieve this, they will use autonomous underwater robots capable of remotely searching for and identifying dangerous objects, as well as specialised diving and explosive ordnance disposal equipment.
If necessary, divers would neutralise identified explosives.
Earlier in June, the Seimas authorised the deployment of up to 40 military personnel and civilian employees of the national defence system to operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where they would participate in mine-clearing missions.
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