Lithuania is considering the possibility of contributing to Germany's air defense coalition with air surveillance radars

Minister Laurynas KašÄiÅ«nas participated remotely in the urgently convened NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on Friday. The meeting was attended by NATO defense ministers, with introductory remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He requested assistance in defending Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, as well as allocating more ammunition and air defense systems.

Minister KašÄiÅ«nas emphasized the importance of such a meeting and the urgent discussion of the situation.

"I highly appreciate Germany's initiative for urgent actions in the field of air defense, in which Lithuania is also involved. Currently, we are reviewing our priorities to contribute as soon as possible with airspace radar systems. Last week, I visited Ukraine and saw that the need for air defense systems and ammunition is very high," said L. KašÄiÅ«nas at the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting.

The Minister added that it is very clear that Ukrainians constantly lack all types of ammunition, so we must ensure a continuous supply of it to Ukraine.

"It is a very good opportunity for joint purchases in international markets, and Lithuania participates and will continue to participate in joint procurement initiatives," said L. KašÄiÅ«nas.

Since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2022, Lithuania has contributed to Ukrainian air defense as much as possible. It provided Soviet-type P-18 early warning airspace surveillance radar systems, Stinger systems, NASAMS launchers, naval radar systems, L-70 anti-aircraft guns with ammunition, Mi-8 helicopters, and other equipment.

Responding to Ukraine's requests, Lithuania has already delivered 155mm ammunition, M577 armored personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, thousands of Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle rounds, and remote detonation systems RISE-1 this year.

Lithuania's support for Ukraine is long-term. Since the start of the war, Lithuania has provided military aid to Ukraine worth around 610 million euros. About 84 million euros' worth of assistance has been provided this year alone. It is aimed to maintain such dynamics of support.