“We see Lithuania as a potential logistical hub for the United States in the region,” Olekas stated at a meeting with US Principal Deputy Under-Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Alan F. Estevez in Vilnius on Thursday.
The meeting addressed the host nation support and infrastructure Lithuania provides for Allied forces deployed in its territory; the US delegation was briefed on the Lithuanian achievements in defence area, defence appropriations, priority areas for capability development, the most important information regarding logistical and infrastructure development in Lithuania, and fulfillment of international commitments.
Olekas emphasized Lithuania’s readiness to host an Allied battalion unit and to render full host nation support, i.e., equipment, infrastructure and training conditions. In his words, Lithuania is ready to further develop and invest into the infrastructure in and near Mumaičiai in case the US decided to deploy a battalion in Lithuania.
“Only a presence of allied troops that makes sense in military terms does send a strong message of deterrence. In our estimation, the key elements of deterrence are allied presence in the region and prepositioning of equipment and weaponry,” said the Lithuanian minister.
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