At the press conference held at the Ministry of National Defense in Vilnius, K. Ollogren informed the public that the “Patriot” system will be deployed in Lithuania on July 8-21.
ELTA reminds that on Monday the Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands K. Ollongren, who came to Lithuania.
The ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, future exercises during which the Netherlands will deploy the Patriot long-range air defense system in Lithuania.
As previously announced, at the end of March, the Netherlands made a decision to deploy the Patriot long-range air defense system in Lithuania for several weeks this summer. It has been announced that a Dutch military unit will train in Lithuania together with units of the Lithuanian army.
Dutch soldiers will participate in the battle group of the NATO Forward Forces Battalion in Lithuania until 2026. the end
Dutch soldiers will serve in the NATO Forward Forces Battalion Combat Group (eFP) deployed in Lithuania until 2026. end, says Kajsa Ollongren. The politician who was publicized in Vilnius announced that it was decided to extend the mandate of this mission for two years.
“I am proud and happy to announce that the Netherlands has decided to extend the mandate by contributing to the eFP force for another two years, until 2026. the end”, K. Ollongren said on Monday.
“It shows our commitment, it shows that we are committed to making sure that we contribute to a compelling deterrent,” she said.
The battle group of the NATO Forward Forces Battalion, led by German soldiers, should become an integral part of the German brigade deployed in the country. When asked if the Netherlands plans to extend the mandate of the mission even longer and thus contribute to the brigade, K. Ollongren indicated that this will be discussed with both Germany and Lithuania.
“One of the reasons why we extended the mandate for another two years – until 2026. end – because we (brigade – ELTA) are in the process of development. Germany’s plans, together with Lithuania’s cooperation, are becoming a reality,” said the minister.
“By extending the mandate for another two years, we will be able to closely monitor and discuss with Germany and Lithuania, see if and how we could become part of the next phase,” said K. Ollongren.
