Lithuania has strengthened the air defense of its capital by deploying a NASAMS battery near Vilnius. The medium-range system replaces the RBS 70 short-range missile system previously assigned to protect the city.Lithuanian Chief of Defence Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras highlighted NASAMS’ greater engagement range, speed, and accuracy. The change comes as NATO members in the region continue to monitor an increase in drone activity and airspace incidents.Lithuania currently maintains two NASAMS batteries and is scheduled to receive a third in 2028. The additional systems are expected to become part of a broader layered air-defense network combining long-, medium-, and short-range capabilities.The country’s geographic position makes air defense a major security priority. Lithuania borders both Russia and Belarus and forms part of NATO’s eastern flank. Consequently, Vilnius has accelerated investment in military modernization and protection of strategic infrastructure.Defense spending has reached €4.7 billion in 2026, representing more than 5 percent of GDP and a substantial increase over the previous year’s allocation. Funding is being directed toward NASAMS batteries, Piorun missiles, mobile short-range systems, medium-range surveillance radars, and equipment designed to detect and counter drones.Lithuania has simultaneously increased security around critical energy infrastructure. The government has also been examining broader NATO deterrence issues as regional security concerns continue to evolve. The NASAMS deployment therefore represents one part of a larger effort to strengthen national and alliance air-defense readiness.
