Russian Baltic fleet on exercises in Kaliningrad
Defence

NATO Forces in Baltic States: numerous but disjointed

As the Baltic States continue to confront Russian air and naval power in the Baltic Sea, two small missile ships, the Zelenyy Dol and the Serpukhov entered this crowded body of water at the end of October. These Russian vessels will reportedly become part of a newly formed Baltic division in the near future (TVNET, October 26). The redeployment of the Zelenyy Dol and Serpukhov is just the latest regional development negatively affecting the security of the Baltic States. None of these three post-Soviet republics has the financial resources available to sufficiently strengthen its own naval capabilities in response. Therefore, in order to defend their sovereignty and ensure the sustainability of their defence sectors, the Baltic States’ naval policies will continue to stress the ability to “fill the gaps” in the full spectrum of Allied maritime operations in the region, Olevs Nikers writes in the Jamestown Foundation. […]

NATO fighter-jets
Defence

NATO jets scrambled from Lithuania once last week over Russian warplane

Fighter-jets conducting the NATO air-policing mission were last week scrambled once to intercept a Russian warplane flying above the Baltic Sea. […]

Military Russia's vessels
Defence

Russia demonstrates aggression against European capitals – President

An intensifying demonstration of Russia’s military power in the region poses a threat to security not only in the region, but also in the whole of Europe, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė said on Wednesday. […]

Minister of Finance Rasa Budbergytė
Defence

Opposition criticizes draft 2017 budget as ‘semi-finished product’

Lithuania’s opposition lawmakers say that next year’s budget drafted by the outgoing government is “a semi-finished product” that should not be taken seriously. […]

Juozas Olekas
Defence

Government to mull National Security Strategy

Lithuania’s government will Wednesday discuss the updated draft National Security Strategy. […]