Lithuania Delivers NASAMS Air Defense System Launchers To Ukraine
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have received two NASAMS air defense system launchers and related equipment from Lithuania. The delivery in question was carried out in line with a contract signed in June this year between the Defense Materiel Agency of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense and the Norwegian company Kongsberg for 9.8 million euros ($10.7 million).
Lithuania, according to the Ministry, has supplied Ukraine with NASAMS launchers as well as high-end vehicles required by the NASAMS crew. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense made a significant contribution to Lithuania’s support package by supplying additional NASAMS missile launcher support equipment and fire control centers to Ukraine.
Regarding the military aid supplied to Ukraine, Arvydas Anusauskas, the defense minister of Lithuania, stated: “The NASAMS missile launchers purchased by Lithuania will be integrated into the fire control units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, thereby supplementing and expanding the operational capacity of the NASAMS systems donated by Norway and the United States. Our support remains an important factor in Ukraine’s defense. We hear Ukraine’s needs, we urge our allies to hear them as well.”
With this latest delivery, the number of NASAMS air defense batteries operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces has increased to four. In October 2022, the first two of these systems were delivered to Kiev as part of US military aid. Last May, Washington also approved the sale of $285 million in NASAMS air defense systems and related equipment to Kyiv. In addition to the United States’ support, Norway and Canada have committed to strengthening and improving the country’s air defense capabilities by providing NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine. However, it is not known whether these systems have been delivered yet.
Since the start of the war, Lithuania has provided around half a billion euros in military assistance to Ukraine. In addition to the NASAMS air defense system, Lithuania supplied Ukraine with Bofors L70 short-range automatic anti-aircraft systems, M113 tracked armored personnel carriers, maritime surveillance radars, electrical generators, millions of rounds of ammunition, and anti-tank weapons. Lithuania actively trains Ukrainian soldiers, provides medical treatment and rehabilitation, expert advice, and contributes to international funds for Ukraine, in addition to regular supplies of military equipment. Lithuania has additionally established a long-term support plan for Ukraine. A new military aid package worth 200 million Euros is planned for Ukraine for the years 2024-2026, according to this plan.