On April 28-30 Chief of Defence of Estonia Maj Gen Andrus Merilo is conducting a visit in Lithuania, he has met with Chief of Defence Gen Raimundas Vaikšnoras and other senior officers. CHODs discussed challenges of implementing the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model, cutting-edge 5th generation F-35 fighter aircraft designed to collect reconnaissance, strike far behind the enemy lines and engage in air duels, hosting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, and lessons learned. The other equally important discussion concerned lessons and challenges of HIMARS acquisition and integration in the militaries of both countries.
“My Estonian counterpart and I both praised the expeditious efforts of the Baltic states to strengthen our military capabilities, the work recognized by NATO Allies and Partners. When we share experience and lessons learned, we can find solutions to the arising challenges even quicker while we become better as we strengthen our respective Armed Forces and develop the common defensive line of the Baltic sister states. Our cooperation dates back to the very beginning of re-established independence of our states and we will continue to strengthen and expand it so that we can deter our mutual enemy,” Chief of Defence Gen R. Vaikšnoras said after the meeting.
Senior Enlisted Leaders of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Estonian Defence Forces Sgt Maj Darius Masiulis and Sgt Maj Enn Adoson respectively also met to discuss their areas of responsibility.
Chief of Defence of Estonia will also pay a visit to the headquarters of the 45th German Brigade and meet with Brigade Commander Brig Gen Christoph Huber. He is also planned to visit Duke Vaidotas Battalion in Rokantiškės where representatives of the Lithuanian defence industry will present their production. The Estonian delegation will wrap the trip with a visit to the Lithuanian Air Force.
Defence cooperation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia gave rise to the Baltic Air Surveillance Network and Control System, the Baltic Naval Squadron and the Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia, currently under command of Lithuanian Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
