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“This is definitely a landmark acquisition: by abandoning the depleted Mi-8 platform, we are embarking on an entirely new phase of the Air Force, which is on par with the United States and other next-generation allied forces,” Karoblis said.
“I am satisfied with the intensified bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and the United States in recent years, so we will continue to seek even greater involvement from the United States in strengthening security at NATO’s eastern borders,” said R. Kroblis.
The acting Minister of National Defense emphasized that the presence of US troops together with NATO forces reinforces the security of the entire eastern flank of NATO, which is why Lithuania seeks to create all the necessary conditions for the rotation of allied forces in Lithuania.
Currently, the 2nd Rotating Battalion of US Soldiers is deploying to Lithuania for exercise purposes.
“We want the United States to consider Lithuania as a permanent place for the deployment of its forces, so we are investing in infrastructure, creating the conditions for the deployment of American troops.” We are ready to accept the US forces and offer them every opportunity to guarantee military training and the performance of their tasks, ”said R. Karoblis at the meeting. According to the minister, joint exercises between US and Lithuanian soldiers in Lithuania also improve interaction with allied soldiers.
The US Acting Chief of Defense praised Lithuania for meeting its defense funding obligations and emphasized that “2 percent. GDP should be the floor, not the ceiling ”. He was also interested in Lithuania’s position on the Russian threat and emphasized the strength and continuity of America’s defense and deterrence obligations to Lithuania. Mr. Miller emphasized the need to invest in unconventional capabilities and to increase cooperation in the field of cyber security, and thanked Lithuania for its efforts in developing a regional cyber defense center.
During the official visit to Washington, the Minister also met with other high-ranking representatives of the United States Department of Defense: Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett, representatives of Congress, with whom they discussed defense and deterrence issues. regional, defense cooperation. During the meeting with the Secretary of the Ground Forces of the United States, Ryan D. McCarthy, emphasized that the United States pays close attention to the security of the Baltic region, as evidenced by the transfer of the command element of the V-Corps to Poland. and the US Ground Forces battalion exercises in Lithuania.
The United States is Lithuania’s strategic partner and the main ally in ensuring security in the Baltic region. The parties are cooperating in various areas: developing joint projects in the field of procurement of weapons systems (for example, the Javelin anti-tank missile system has been acquired from the United States for many years, last year Lithuania signed an agreement with the United States government on the acquisition of 200 American armored SUVs).
The parties are particularly active in cooperation in military training, etc. the arrival of rotating US forces to Lithuania for exercises is increasing. Lithuania and the United States are developing extensive relations in the field of cyber security, etc. areas.
The United States, which implements security support programs in Lithuania, is investing heavily in adapting Lithuanian military training camps to military needs. Various projects have been implemented at the training sites of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in Pabradė, Rukla, Kazlų Rūda with US funds: shooting ranges, repair shops and other training infrastructure and training ground have been installed. Lithuania, in turn, is also expanding landfills and improving infrastructure. Additional investments are being made in improving military mobility; For example, the Pažeimenė railway branch near the Pabradė landfill was brought into operation this spring, helping to ensure a more convenient redeployment of military and other equipment from NATO allies arriving in Lithuania. Soldiers from the United States Rotary Battalion were the first to attempt this branch to transport their military equipment.
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