United to win: Lithuania contemplates supplying Ukraine with air surveillance radars

Lithuania is considering the possibility of contributing to the German Air Defense Coalition by providing air surveillance radars to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of Lithuania reports this.

What is the problem?

In light of the recent extensive Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the German government has invited partners and third countries to join the initiative to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses.

Germany offers to join the initiative to provide Ukraine with even more air defense systems "as soon as possible."

On April 19, at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council, several Alliance allies made specific commitments to supply Ukraine with more air defense systems.

What is the solution?

Lithuania's Defense Minister, Laurinas Kasciunas, requested during the meeting that Ukraine be assisted in safeguarding its cities and critical infrastructure and supplied with additional ammunition and air defense systems.

For its part, Lithuania is considering providing air surveillance radars to Ukraine.

How does it work?

The head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense emphasized that he welcomes "the German initiative regarding immediate actions in the field of air defense, of which Lithuania is also a part."

"We are now reviewing our priorities to contribute to the airspace radar systems as soon as possible.

Last week, I visited Ukraine and was convinced that the need for air defense systems and ammunition is exceptionally high," Kasciunas said.

^{Ground Master 200 radar. Photo: from open sources}

The Lithuanian minister also added that Ukrainians experience a permanent shortage of all types of ammunition, and the allies must ensure a continuous supply of ammunition to Ukraine.

"Joint procurement in international markets is a perfect opportunity, and Lithuania participates and will continue to participate in joint procurement initiatives," he emphasized.

For reference:

Since the full-scale invasion began, Lithuania has been supporting Ukraine's air defense efforts. Ukraine's defense forces have received several types of equipment, including:

• Soviet R-18 airspace surveillance radar systems,
• Stinger systems,
• NASAMS launchers,
• Navy radars,
• L-70 anti-aircraft guns with ammunition,
• Mi-8 helicopters and other equipment.

In response to Ukraine's requests this year, Lithuania has already transferred:

• 155-mm ammunition,
• armored vehicles M577,
• anti-drone systems,
• thousands of ammunition for the "Carl Gustaf" anti-tank grenade launcher,
• remote detonation system RISE-1.

Lithuania has shown long-term support for Ukraine, providing military assistance totaling 610 million euros since the start of the war. So far, 84 million euros of aid has been given this year.