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However, Andrius Vilkauskas, dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), an expert in defense technology, points out that the purchase of new helicopters is an investment not only in technology but also in human skills .
– What is your opinion on updating air defense technology with the acquisition of the Black Hawk helicopter platform?
– The Lithuanian Armed Forces are made up of four types of forces: land, air and naval military, and special operations. Each of them performs its functions and has its own purpose. Even with very well equipped and prepared ground forces, military ground equipment, armor, tanks, in the event of a military conflict these forces would be worthless without air support. In other words, if they are not covered by anti-aircraft defense systems or certain aviation units, these forces will sooner or later be destroyed.
The Black Hawk is one of the most versatile helicopters in the world. They can be used for any strategic task: combat operations, landing, attacks, support, surveillance, border protection, rescue operations as a communication platform, command communication management system.
It is said that universal things do not suit anyone, but the Black Hawk is an exception. It is one of the best and most proven helicopters of its kind in the world.
– The new helicopter platform will replace the MI-8T used so far in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. How do you evaluate current Lithuanian air defense technologies?
– The MI-8T helicopters currently in use are technologically obsolete.
KTU nuotr./Andrius Vilkauskas
Its resources are long overdue, although the manufacturer was “artificially” expanded and some supply is still maintained, but it can be completed at any time. In the event of a breakdown, they would no longer be suitable for further use. Like helicopters, they are fairly easy to operate and operate, but we really won’t find many smart features there. In terms of current navigation, avionics, speed, maneuverability, we could call it the technology of the previous generation.
– Lithuania will pay the US government 181 million for the helicopter platform in five years. 26 million euros. The US government itself provided 1 billion euros in support. Why is the US interested in contributing to this purchase?
– The United States is our ally and active partner in the development of our defense technologies, systems, forces and competencies. It is also important to the US defense that the technologies used by its allies are compatible with the platforms or systems they use.
It is likely that in the event of one threat or another, the US will supplement our existing forces with its own helicopters or borrow our helicopters, making it a huge advantage for our military personnel who are ready to serve and have the necessary skills.
It is mutually beneficial to have people capable of piloting, maintaining and changing the purpose of these helicopters. This is the creation of a collaboration platform.
– In recent years, Lithuania has been investing more and more in the military and armaments industry. Is it more related to NATO commitments or Lithuania’s geopolitical position?
– Our membership in NATO began with a series of commitments that apply to all members of NATO. This is a commitment to dedicate 2 percent of the country’s GDP to defense.
Since we live fairly quietly for a while, we find hundreds of excuses not to. Only a few members of NATO, including the United States, have made good on this commitment. Following events in Ukraine and some encouragement from the United States to share the financial burden of defense with everyone, most NATO members have begun to take a more responsible approach to their commitments.
– According to the agreement signed between Lithuania and the US, Lithuania will receive not only helicopters, but also additional equipment, spare parts, repair, training and logistics package. Can it be said that it is an investment not only in technology but also in the improvement of human skills?
– Unambiguous, because systems at this level are constantly and systematically updated, for example from a weapons or avionics perspective Therefore, competencies and skills are needed to adapt, implement, adapt and be able to use these innovations correctly.
This requires constant cooperation and communication between the provider and the recipient of the technology.
– In the public sphere, can we sometimes hear that investment in the military and arms industry is a ‘loss of millions’? Why is it important for Lithuania to invest in defense technologies?
– You could say that a country that does not feed its army feeds a foreign army and gives it much more.
We have watched and are following developments in Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia. In this context, there are things that are worth more than millions of euros. In the public sphere, we may periodically hear various inferences, but we must be able to critically assess the geopolitical situation and rely on competencies and facts rather than disparate opinions.
We as a state must be able to take care of ourselves, not only have the desire but also the will to do so. Otherwise, we will have a forced foreign will and pay a significantly higher price.
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