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.'
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