Lithuania to send NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine with new aid package

Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced the state will transfer launchers for the NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine soon.

The new package will include launchers for NASAMS missile launchers, anti-drone systems and other equipment.

NASAMS missile systems, drones, logistical equipment, beds and many other supplies will soon be transferred to Ukraine, the ministry said.

The ministry adds that Lithuania also actively trains Ukrainian soldiers, provides treatment and rehabilitation for Ukrainians, organizes expert consultations, and allocates funds to international foundations to support Ukraine.

For the first seven months of 2023, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft aircraft with cartridges, M113 armored personnel carriers, millions of artillery pieces, and cartridges with grenades.

Previously, the Lithuanian National Defense Council (VGT), chaired by President Gitanas Nausėda, discussed a number of issues and largely approved a long-term plan to support Ukraine, worth 200 mln euro. 

Anušauskas also confirmed that Lithuania's latest support package includes NASAMS missile launchers that will be delivered to Ukraine in the fall.

It will also include ten M113 armored personnel carriers, grenade launcher ammunition, and 2.5 million rounds of ammunition, with the latter being shipped to Ukraine as early as this week.

Also, as this column has previously reported, in late June, Lithuania handed over two NASAMS systems, 10 M113 armoured personnel carriers and ammunition to Ukraine, bringing the total amount of Lithuanian military assistance to Ukraine to 500 mln euro.