Lithuania moves closer to Piorun air defence deal
Tuesday 13th October 2026 on 13:00 in
Lithuania
Lithuania’s agreement to buy Polish-made Piorun short-range air defence systems has reached its final stage, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said, according to LRT. He made the remarks after meeting Poland’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in Warsaw on Monday.
The ministers discussed regional security, strengthening air defence and counter-drone capabilities, and further defence cooperation. Lithuania’s Defence Ministry said the systems would improve the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ ability to respond to air threats.
“The security of Lithuania and Poland is inseparable, so our cooperation must be based not only on shared goals but also on concrete action,” Kaunas said. “One of our key priorities is to strengthen air defence. We must also share experience and coordinate the work of our institutions.”
Kaunas also highlighted the need to procure mines and thanked Poland for its ongoing contribution to regional security, including participation in NATO’s air policing mission and joint exercises with Lithuanian troops.
The ministry said the talks covered threats posed by Russia, increasingly frequent hybrid attacks, recent drone incidents in Lithuania and Poland, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The ministers also discussed the importance of the US military presence in the region.
Kaunas outlined Lithuania’s defence priorities ahead of its 2027 presidency of the Council of the European Union: comprehensive support for Ukraine, strengthening Europe’s defence industry and sustainable defence funding.
During his visit, Kaunas also took part in the Warsaw Security Forum and a discussion on how Europe can develop the military capabilities it needs. With NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, Polish defence ministry officials and international defence industry representatives, he discussed how to turn rising investment into military capabilities more quickly.