Lithuania deploys NASAMS system to strengthen Vilnius air defence

Lithuania has deployed a medium-range NASAMS air defence system near Vilnius, replacing the short-range RBS-70 system, LRT reported, citing BNS.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces said the move was prompted by repeated drone incursions in eastern NATO countries.

“We have already replaced our short-range RBS-70 system with NASAMS, as planned and promised, and the approaches to Vilnius are now protected much more effectively, powerfully and over a greater distance,” Armed Forces Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras told BNS.

Vaikšnoras did not say when the reinforced protection of the approaches to Vilnius began.

He said NASAMS provided speed, range and precision, while acknowledging that using the system against inexpensive drones could be criticised because its missiles are costly. He added that, in the absence of other means, it was probably the most flexible option available.

BNS reported that the most recent drone to enter Lithuania was detected in May. A similar incident was recorded in Latvia last week, when a NATO fighter that took off from the air base in Šiauliai shot down the unmanned aircraft.

Lithuania currently has two NASAMS batteries. A third is expected to arrive in 2028.