The increase of Lithuania’s defence spending is a success story we should share, says Vice Minister of National Defence K. Aleksa

Vice Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa took part in the Miami Security Forum organized by the Heritage Foundation. The event focussed on security issues of the Western hemisphere and possible links and cooperation opportunities among different regions. Vice Minister was invited to share the success story of Lithuania's growing defence budget: he presented the evolution of Lithuania's defence spending from one of the smallest budgets among the NATO Allies to the biggest in a roundtable discussion.

Vice Minister underlined key preconditions for taking and implementing the required decisions: not just the complex security situation but also the wide political consensus. K. Aleksa presented the ambitious capability development plans of the Lithuanian Armed Forces that would need long term defence investment commitments. Another point underscored at the address was the strict requirement to ensure transparency of all processes and securing public support, as well as confidence in the decisions taken in the use of financial assets.

During the visit to the United States K. Aleksa also visited Washington where he met with representatives of the Pentagon, Congress, Defence Security Cooperation Agency and think tanks. The talks focussed on the security situation, the U.S. military presence in Europe and Lithuania, air defence, weapon and equipment acquisitions from the U.S., and assistance to Ukraine.

"The U.S. security commitment to NATO is unwavering. This is confirmed by the updates of the U.S. strategic documents, as well as the talks with representatives of the Administration. The U.S. wants a strong and capable Alliance and welcome the long-overdue note taken by the European Allies of the years-long U.S. encouragement to take more burden for its own security and defence. It is an honor to hear the U.S. representatives mention Lithuania as a role-model for other countries: our defence spending this year hits 5.38 percent of GDP, the biggest percentage among NATO Allies," said Vice Minister of National Defence K. Aleksa.

Vice Minister met with Assistant Secretary of Defence for international security affairs (ASD) Daniel Zimmerman and Dr. Chris Bassler is Performing the Duties of Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Strategy and Force Development at the Department of War. Vice Minister accentuated Lithuania progress, including the growing defence spending, development of the National Division, expanded Host National Support Package for the U.S. troops in Lithuania and underscored the need for more cooperation on ensuring air defence and airspace security.

Vice Minister stressed that e Lithuania's security began with Ukraine's ability to push back against the Russian invasion forces. That was the reason we prioritized the log-term assistance to Ukraine in its defence of own and European security. Lithuania loyally fulfilled its annual commitment of at least 0.25percent of GDP in assistance to Ukraine, both bilaterally and multilaterally. We will continue the Lithuanian contribution to the PURL Initiative viewed in Washington as a particular success of pooling assistance to Ukraine by means of procuring and handing over American weaponry.

"The U.S. assistance to the Baltic states enabling acquisitions of American product creates bilateral value. Today, Lithuania's acquisitions from the U.S. have topped USD 2 billion. Advanced weaponry and equipment, such Joint Light Tactical Vehicles JLTV, Black Hawk helicopters, AMRAAM missiles, Javelin anti-armor missile system, HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Switchblade drones enable a quick and effective modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and boosts security of the eastern flank of NATO," said K. Aleksa.