Lithuania Deploys NASAMS Air Defense Near Vilnius
After receiving US intelligence warnings about Vilnius, the Armed Forces of Lithuania began installing air defense systems. The Lithuanian Armed Forces have strengthened air space protection in the Vilnius area by deploying the medium-range surface-to-air missile system NASAMS, according to LRT.
Consensus
- Lithuania has deployed NASAMS air defense systems on the approaches to Vilnius.
- The NASAMS systems replaced the previously used RBS-70 short-range air defense systems.
- The deployment was made in response to increasing drone incursions into Eastern NATO airspace.
- The NASAMS systems are medium-range air defense systems, while RBS-70 are short-range systems.
- Lithuania currently has two NASAMS batteries, with a third scheduled to arrive in 2028.
- The commander of the Lithuanian Army, General Raimundas Vaišnoras, confirmed the deployment and the improved coverage.
Points of divergence
- The decision to deploy NASAMS was made after warnings from U.S. intelligence about possible hybrid operations by Russia against Baltic states and Poland, including sabotage and false-flag attacks. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- In August, the CIA reportedly warned allies about signs of Russian special services preparing operations. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The use of expensive NASAMS missiles against cheap drones is considered inefficient, but Lithuania currently has no other means to counter drones. — riamo
- The use of expensive NASAMS missiles against low-cost drones raises questions, but Lithuania has no alternative means. — vesti
Coverage (5 sources)
- Lithuania deployed NASAMS air defense system on approaches to Vilnius — Дождь (Telegram)
- Lithuania deployed NASAMS air defense systems on the approach to Vilnius — Дождь
- After US intelligence warning, air defense systems began being installed near Vilnius — The Moscow Times
- Army of Lithuania: Approaches to Vilnius covered by NASAMS — Army of Lithuania — РИАМО
- Army of Lithuania deployed air defense systems near Vilnius — Вести