Defence
Lithuania could become logistics hub for US military, says defence minister
Lithuania could become a regional logistics centre for the US military, says Lithuania’s Defence Minister Juozas Olekas. […]
Juozas Olekas EN
Defence
New €5.6m military building to house foreign troops in Šiauliai
A new dormitory will be built at the Air Force Aviation Base in Šiauliai to house foreign soldiers on short stays during redeployment, exercises and for the NATO air policing mission. […]
Economy
Which Lithuanian ministers get the highest salaries?
Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius is the highest paid member of the ruling government with Defence Minister Juozas Olekas a close second. However, many government ministers are paid significantly less. […]
Defence
Defence Minister’s position on conscription ‘irresponsible’, says army founder
One of the founders of the Lithuanian army has said the Defence Minister, Juozas Olekas’s position that a professional army is sufficient and conscription is not needed is irresponsible in current international conditions. […]
Defence
In 2016, Lithuanian ground forces will become a force to be reckoned with
When Lithuania had huddled up under NATO’s wing, it felt more secure and even unconcerned as to where it would get more funding for its army or how it could modernize it. The events in Georgia and Ukraine, however, jolted the Baltic country out of its lethargy and forced it to look at how it can strengthen its armed forces. […]
Defence
600 new military volunteers ahead of draft list publication on Monday
On Monday, the latest list of Lithuanian men selected for the draft will be published. Though the list will include 3,000 men, 600 have already volunteered to fill those positions. Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas expressed his hope that, in 2016, the Lithuanian military’s draft requirements will once again be met by volunteers. […]
Defence
Defence
Lithuanian armed forces transfers 500 automatic weapons to Riflemen‘s Union
The Lithuanian army is to transfer 500 AK-4s, the weapons currently used by Lithuanian soldiers, to the Lithuanian Riflemen‘s Union, a non-profit organisation supported by the State. […]
Defence
Second motorised infantry brigade to boost Lithuanian Land Forces
The Lithuanian Land Force in Western Lithuania are establishing a second motorised infantry brigade with its headquarters in Klaipėda. […]
Culture
First raising of Lithuanian tricolour flag to be honoured on Gediminas Tower
On 1 January 2016, Vilnius residents and guests will be able to attend a solemn ceremony on Gediminas Tower to mark the day in 1919 when the Lithuanian tricolour flag used today was first flown. […]
Defence
Lithuanian defense ministry’s new emergency survival guide now has colourful pictures
At the beginning of the year, Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence released a booklet for civilians and military personnel alike called Prepare to Survive Emergencies and War with tips on surviving hostile invasions and other calamities. Now, the ministry has released an updated version with new illustrations by Lithuanian illustrator and animator Ilja Bereznickas that contrast with the book’s serious nature. […]
Defence
Volunteers may fill all military conscription posts in 2016
Defence Minister Juozas Olekas said that he expects all 3,000 places for compulsory military service to be filled by volunteers next year. […]
Defence
Defence chiefs defend Boxer deal as best option
Lithuania won a reduction of a third on the initial price of the Boxer armoured fighting vehicles it ordered, said Defence Minister Juozas Olekas on LRT programme Dėmesio centre. However, they were still the priciest option. […]
Defence
Defence minister pleased with substantial military spending rise
Defence Minister Juozas Olekas has welcomed the 2016 budget passed by parliament on Thursday which raises defence spending by one third. […]
Defence
US will maintain long-term military presence in Lithuania, ambassador reassures
On 3 December, Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas discussed his recent visit in the US, assistance to Ukraine, participation in multinational operations and other security and defence issues at a meeting with Ambassador of the United States in Lithuania Deborah A. McCarthy, the Ministry of National Defence reports. […]
Defence
Lithuanian army to choose among three IFV purchase options, defence minister says
Lithuania’s National Defence Minister Juozas Olekas says that the army’s decision which infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to purchase will depend on several factors, such as safety, power, prices, and delivery time. […]
Defence
Lithuanian defence minister invites Canada to continue contributing to assurance measures in Baltics
On 20 November, Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas met with Minister of National Defence of Canada Harjit Sajjan while attending the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, the Lithuanian ministry reports. […]
Defence
Lithuania could accept 6,000-8,000 NATO troops without logistics problems, defence minister says
According to Lithuania’s National Defence Minister Juozas Olekas, Lithuania at the moment would be ready to accept 6,000-8,000 NATO troops without any major logistical issues. […]
Uncategorized
Baltic states strengthening cooperation in cyber security
Lithuanian Defence Minister Juozas Olekas, Latvian Defence Minister Raimonds Bergmanis and Estonian Economic Affairs and Communications Minister Kristen Michal electronically signed a memorandum on cooperation in cyber security on Wednesday. […]
Defence