Lithuanian defence minister begins US trip to discuss security ties
Monday 21st September 2026 on 05:45 in
Lithuania
Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas began a week-long visit to the United States on Monday to discuss the security situation, bilateral defence cooperation and the presence of US troops in Lithuania, LRT reported.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, Kaunas will meet Elbridge Colby, the US deputy secretary of war for policy, as well as members of Congress Patty Murray and Roger F. Wicker.
He also plans to meet representatives of US defence industry companies Lockheed Martin, Palantir, Northrop Grumman, Mach Industries and Epirus Inc.
The ministry said Lithuania had purchased about 2 billion euros worth of weapons and equipment from the United States over the past three years. The purchases include Javelin anti-tank missile systems, JLTV armoured vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery systems and AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS air defence systems.
Kaunas will also visit the Pennsylvania National Guard, a US military force, and meet its commander, Major General John Pippy.
The Pennsylvania National Guard has cooperated with Lithuania under the State Partnership Program since 1993. The cooperation includes developing the national division, training Black Hawk helicopter pilots and technicians, holding joint exercises and exchanging experience in crisis management, the ministry said.