NATO turns Lithuania's capital into 'iron fortress'

German Patriot air defense systems arrived in the Lithuanian capital on July 8.

The NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Vilnius on July 11-12 next week, while the Lithuanian capital is only 32 km from the border with Russia's ally Belarus and 151 km from Russia.

Reuters reported on July 8 that 16 NATO member states sent a total of nearly 1,000 troops to protect the summit. Many members also provided advanced air defense systems, which the Baltic states do not yet possess.

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"It would be irresponsible not to protect our airspace at a time when US President Joe Biden and leaders of 40 countries are coming to the summit," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said.

A US Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft lands at Vilnius airport on July 7.

The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia were former Soviet republics before breaking away in 1990 and 1991. Since 2004, these countries have all been admitted to NATO and the European Union (EU).

Currently, all three countries spend more than 2% of their GDP on defense. However, the combined populations of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are just over 6 million, not enough to build large armies or invest in modern fighter jets or air defense systems.

That is why Germany decided to send 12 Patriot missile systems, which can intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and fighter jets, to the Lithuanian capital during the conference.

NATO member countries are sending weapons and equipment to Lithuania.

Spain is deploying NASAMS air defense systems. France is sending Caesar self-propelled guns. In addition, French, Finnish and Danish military aircraft are being deployed in Lithuania. Britain and France are also providing anti-drone capabilities.

In addition, Poland and Germany sent special forces units and helicopters. Other countries provided measures to respond to biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear attacks.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/nato-bien-thu-do-lithuania-thanh-phao-dai-sat-18523070820185984.htm