Lithuania purchases additional Sidewinder missiles from US in €180 million deal

Lithuania has agreed to buy additional AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles from the US in a deal worth approximately €183 million, the country’s Ministry of National Defence announced on Thursday.

The US State Department approved the sale, which includes training missiles, engineering, technical and logistical support, and related programme elements. The total value of the proposed deal reaches $214 million (around €183 million), according to the ministry.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated the missiles would strengthen Lithuania’s multi-layered air defence architecture and enhance NATO’s ability to counter aerial threats. “This once again confirms the strong US commitment to European security,” he said.

The acquisition follows a previous $19.5 million purchase of Sidewinder missiles and complements Lithuania’s NASAMS air defence systems. The missiles are designed to intercept enemy rockets, drones, helicopters and aircraft.

US manufacturer RTX Corporation is the primary producer of the Sidewinder missiles. The State Department noted that the deal “strengthens the defensive capabilities of NATO allies and contributes to peace and stability in Europe, aligning with US foreign policy and national security interests.”