Baltic nations explore joint air defence
The defence ministers of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia agreed at a meeting on 28 May to look into the possible development of a mid-range joint air defence system produced by the autumn of 2015.
Juozas Olekas of Lithuania, Raimonds Vejonis of Latvia and Sven Mikser of Estonia also highlighted the need for decision action to develop critical defence capabilities in light of recently increased threats. After the working session, the ministers signed a joint communique.
Olekas said, ‘Regional defence cooperation of the Baltic States is more critical than ever, our security assurance is our solidarity.’
The ministers agreed to improve their cooperation with Poland. Under the joint communique, the three nations will continue to provide host nation support for allied troops.
The ministers underscored potential joint military training within the region. They also agreed to improve coordination among the nations’ search and rescue systems and to seek the implementation of the NATO’s agreement on current and further deterrence measures in the Baltic region.
Olekas added: ‘It is crucial to ensure additional allied presence and to seek prepositioning of equipment in the Baltic States which would allow NATO forces to respond to any threat in the region more quickly.’
More from Defence Notes
-
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.