The Lithuanian Air Forces organized the International NATO Air and Missile Defence Conference to mark the 25th anniversary of the air Defence Battalion and the 90th anniversary of the Aircraft Defence Detachment focusing on strengthening air defence and developing cooperation. The event was attended by senior experts and military representatives from active partners of the Air Defence Battalion, e.g. the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, United States of America, Canada, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and Hungary.
The topics addressed at the Conference covered the latest trends, challenges and solutions on the subject-matter of improving air defence systems and effective international-level coordination. This initiative underscores Lithuania’s commitment to strengthen national defence and ensure regional security through cooperation with Allies. The Easter Flank Deterrence Line, the concept unveiled by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the LANDEURO Exhibition back in July, was discussed at the Conference, as well as Eastern Sentry. The importance of the discussion was particularly underlined by the recent Russian drone violations of the Baltic and Polish airspace. Disruptive technologies, open architecture solutions, anti-UAV warfare and tight cooperation among partners in order to ensure effective regional defence were also discussed in depth.
Panels of the Conference featured such distinguished speakers as Vice Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations Thomas Goffus, Advisor to the Chief of Defence Big Gen Modestas Petrauskas, Commanding General for the U.S. 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Brig Gen Curtis L. King, Commander Lithuanian Air Force Col Antanas Matutis, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, and other guests.
The discussions provided an opportunity to take stock of NATO’s air defence challenges, look into integration of advanced technologies and strengthening Allied cooperation. The participants were introduced to the history of the Aircraft Defence Detachment, the current status quo of Lithuania’s air defence and perceived prospects of it.
Besides that, Kaunas hosted the Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance Event, Missile Defender of the Year. The prestigious award is presented worldwide in recognition of merits in strengthening air defence as an armed service. Missile defenders from Estonia, Spain, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway were awarded in Kaunas.
The International NATO Air and Missile Defence Conference not just offered a platform for professional expertise exchange but also stood as a symbol of unity in uniform. The issues addressed once again highlighted air defence as a cornerstone element of Lithuanian and NATO’s collective defence.
Photo and info credits: Lithuanian Air Force Air Defence Battalion
