Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) is conducting a visit in Lithuania. He is meeting with Chief of Defence of Lithuania Raimundas Vaikšnoras, visiting the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai to be briefed on the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, activity of the Lithuanian Air Forces and the current situation of the regional air defence and deterrence.
As DSACEUR, ACM Sir John Stringer is in charge of force generation for NATO operation and coordination of Allied capabilities in Europe. He also is responsible for coordination of the EU-NATO military cooperation and interoperability while ensuring joint action in response to security challenges in the region. DSACEUR can also be the operational commander of EU-led operations according to the Berlin Plus Agreement.
“The current situation in the region and the recent airspace incidents particularly underlines the NATO contribution to the Baltic security. We can see that the NATO air policing mission acts and responds expeditiously, however, it is equally important to continue strengthening the Allied air defence architecture, integration and ability to act together,” said Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras.
The visit agenda also concerned the security on the Eastern Flank, implementation of the Alliance’s defence plans, strengthening air defence, regional military cooperation and NATO readiness to respond to security challenges in the region. The visit highlights the importance of the NATO Air Policing mission for the Baltic security and the significance of Allied presence to the region.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
