Defence Ministry plans Šiauliai base upgrade for fifth-generation fighters

Lithuania’s Defence Ministry plans to adapt the military aerodrome at Šiauliai to receive fifth-generation fighter jets by the second half of 2028, LRT reports.

The measure is included in the implementation plan for the 21st Government’s programme, registered on Tuesday.

“To strengthen NATO’s integrated air and missile defence, ensure the presence of allied air defence forces on NATO’s eastern flank and specifically in Lithuania, and adapt the aviation base to receive fifth-generation fighter jets,” the plan states.

In March 2024, then Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander General Valdemaras Rupšys said that US F-35 fifth-generation fighters could be based at the Šiauliai aerodrome and carry out NATO’s air policing mission by the end of 2025.

The F-35 is described in the article as the world’s most advanced fighter, capable of covertly gathering intelligence, striking deep into enemy territory and taking part in aerial combat.

NATO’s air policing mission in the Baltic states operates from Lithuania and Estonia.