Chief of Defence of Sweden General Michael Claesson is conducting a formal visit in Lithuania. He has been welcomed by General Raimundas Vaikšnoras.
“Sweden’s presence and solutions in the region practically shape the security situation in the Baltic Sea region. We particularly appreciate maritime security – recognized picture and undersea surveillance, as well as a closer exchange of air surveillance data which significantly strengthens our joint early warning system. This is exactly what makes reliable deterrence,” said Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras.
Topics discussed at the meeting included air de fence, including development of counter uncrewed systems (C-UAS) capability. Lithuania underlined the need to strengthen the NATO Integrated Air Defence System (NATINADS) and dedicated more attention for new types of threats.
In the course of the visit Chief of Defence of Sweden wilt delegation will also familiarise with the developed infrastructure, Host Nation Support capabilities and countermobility parks at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area. The delegation will close out the visit with a trip to the Jurgis Kybartas Border Crossing Point and the Lithuanian-Belarusian border area to familiarise with border guard system, surveillance capabilities and engineer fortifications strengthening state border defence.
“Lithuania particularly values the strategic cooperation with Sweden and its concrete contribution to regional security. We are grateful for Sweden’s input in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, especially involvement in the Baltic Sea security initiatives, such as Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry. Sweden’s decisions to strengthen military presence in the region and investment in collective defence are a clear sign of our mutual commitment to deter threats and ensure stability in the Baltic region,” said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas who met with Chief of Defence of Sweden as well.
Lithuania has substantial contract with Sweden’s defence industry. The value of contracts with Sweden’s SAAB on acquisition of MSHORAD and multirole portable 84 mm Carl Gustaf M4 systems and ammunition amounts to approx. 0.8 billion euros.
Photo credit: Sgt Spc Karolis Kavolėlis / Lithuanian Armed Forces
