Lithuania is considering a purchase of long-range air defence systems, says Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene.
“We have plans to evaluate and acquire certain long-range air defence systems in the medium to long term,” she told the TV3 news broadcast on May 1.
“We cannot disclose the details of a medium- and long-term acquisition at the moment, but yes – Lithuania is also doing a detailed analysis and we are assessing and will have certain plans for long-range defence,” the minister added.
According to the news broadcast, the medium and long term would mean that Lithuania could acquire and receive the systems within a decade, but the most suitable systems still needed to be chosen after analysis.
Sakaliene indicated the purchase could cost Lithuania up to several billion euros. The project would most likely be implemented by the next government, but planning needs to start now. (LRT)