Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras conducted a formal visit to Finland where he met with counterpart Chief of Defence General Janne Jaakkola. Generals focussed on the reserve training systems, the Lithuanian commandant’s office organization, and the all-society total defence model: the three areas Finland has particularly strong and long experience in. Other topics Chiefs of Defence addressed were NATO planning, Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) and the comprehensive security approach, as well as integration of unmanned systems and innovations.
“Finland has been loyal to a elaborate and systemic security approach centering on a ready and resilient individual determined to contribute to national security and defence for years. Their experience in training a substantial military reserve and bringing together the society, business and public institutions in mobilization and comprehensive security and defence architecture is absolutely valuable to Lithuania,” said General R. Vaikšnoras inviting the Finnish to add their input in deterrence and defence in the eastern flank.
Integration of Finland in NATO structures increases the security region-wide: the country is enhancing command elements of air defence, maritime capabilities and land operations expeditiously. The Lithuanian Armed Forces identifies numerous opportunities to develop joint projects and learn of Finland’s experience beneficial in the formation of the Territorial Defence Division and the comprehensive security system.
Chief of Defence also observes Exercise Freezing Winds 25 in the Gulf of Finland during the visit. The exercise involves approx. 5000 military personnel and 20 combat and support vessels from Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and the U.S., as well as Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group (1SNMCMG1). The exercise trains air, maritime surveillance, helicopter and counter-assault operations.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
