The contingent of the US armed forces, which is deployed in Lithuania, is moving from containment to combat readiness. This was stated on December 2 by the commander of the Lithuanian army, Lieutenant-General Valdemaras Rupshis on the air of Lithuanian Radio.
“If until now the American military was in Lithuania with the tasks of familiarizing themselves with the situation and conducting joint exercises, now such units are deployed here that are provided with equipment for immediate combat operations,” Gazeta.Ru quotes the commander.
According to him, the decision on this is connected with the change in the security situation.
Rupshis also stressed that the United States has recently been actively increasing its military presence throughout Europe, and this is a “reaction to the situation” taking into account the “enemy threat assessment”, but does not mean a transition to active defense.
On November 9, it was reported that the US State Department approved a possible deal with Lithuania for the sale of eight HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). It was emphasized that the receipt by Vilnius of new types of military equipment will not change the balance of power in the Baltics, but will allow Lithuania to strengthen its potential and make it possible to cooperate with the American army in the future.
Earlier, on October 19, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur spoke about US plans to send an additional contingent of troops and weapons to the republic on a rotational basis. Prior to this, the Estonian minister held a meeting with the head of the Pentagon, mentioning that Estonia plans to purchase HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems from the United States. In addition, the heads of the Ministry of Defense agreed to continue to support Ukraine.
In addition, on November 22, it became known that France would deploy four of its Rafale fighter jets in Lithuania. Military aircraft are designed to guard the skies over the Baltic countries. Earlier, the French Ministry of Defense stated that France intends to strengthen its military presence in Eastern Europe due to increased actions in Ukraine. This decision was made by President Emmanuel Macron.
In May, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed the intention of the American side to maintain a military presence in the Baltic Sea region, as well as conduct exercises there.
