On September 16 through 18 Chief of Defence Lithuania Lt Gen Valdemaras Rupšys attended the NATO Military Committee Conference in Tallinn, Estonia.
Meeting as NATO’s top military institution, CHODs discussed the military strategic change in the Alliance, implementation of the decisions taken at the Madrid Summit, conformity of operational plans and dedicated capabilities, command and control procedures, and support to Ukraine.
One of the sessions of the conference focussed on NATO operations and missions, including the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and Kosovo Force (KFOR). Other agenda points concerned air defence capabilities and boosting defence industry.
This was the first NATO MC Conference held with participation of Swedish and Finnish CHODS as Invitees.
The conference was presided over by Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer. He was supported by Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher Cavoli, and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) General Philippe Lavigne in all the sessions.
The NATO Summit in Madrid took a decision to increase capabilities in the eastern flank of NATO, and deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania has begun as a result. The Forward Command Element the 41st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, 1st Panzer Division deployed in Lithuania in early September. An element of the German brigade is planned to be training in Lithuania in October alongside Lithuanian and other allied troops.
The Military Committee (French: Comité militaire) convenes twice a year at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels and once – in a member state on a rotational basis. The daily issues are handled by Military Representatives of all Allies.
Lithuanian Armed Forces file photos
Information credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
