The P-3C plane was deployed to the Šiauliai Air Base in late June to carry out maritime patrol missions in the Baltic countries and will be stationed at the Lithuanian base until mid-August.
Fourteen fighter jets from Portugal, Spain and France have been patrolling Baltic airspace since the start of the current rotation in May. Eight aircraft are usually stationed at the Lithuanian and Estonian bases.
“By regularly deploying reinforcements to peacetime defensive mission, NATO sends a clear message of deterrence and collective defense to all potential aggressors,” the ministry said in a press release.
The P-3C joined 10 fighter jets stationed in Šiauliai.