Main image: Laurynas Kasčiūnas / Photo by J. Stacavičius / LRT
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas has stated that defense funding should be increased to 4% of GDP to enable the country to purchase long-range air defense systems and other equipment, as reported by Lithuanian broadcaster LRT.
"The goal is to reach 4% of GDP for defense. This would allow us not only to maintain current programs but also to start a national program to acquire long-range Patriot air defense systems. Additionally, it would enable the purchase of combat drones for effective countering of adversaries," Kasčiūnas said at a meeting of the Union of Homeland and Lithuanian Christian Democrats (SV-LKD).
Earlier, in August, the government allocated an additional 130 million euros for weapons procurement, raising Lithuania's defense budget share to 3.2% of GDP this year.
The current agreement on security and defense among Lithuanian parties does not include specific commitments to increase funding, but the Seimas has already decided to raise taxes to ensure at least 3% of GDP for defense needs.
President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Lithuania should spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense annually.
In the spring, Lithuanian businesses supported the initiative to allocate 4% of GDP for defense through the "4 Percent" campaign.
Since the start of the full-scale war by Russia against Ukraine, Lithuania has provided military support to Ukraine amounting to over €679 million. Lithuania's total support for Ukraine is long-term and has exceeded €1 billion.
