Lithuania has strengthened the defense of Vilnius by replacing its previous RBS 70 short-range air-defense deployment with NASAMS. The move provides the capital with access to a system designed to engage aerial threats at greater distances.According to Lithuanian military leadership, NASAMS offers improvements in range, speed, and accuracy. Its deployment follows a series of drone-related incidents in the wider Baltic region that have increased attention on low-cost unmanned threats.Lithuania operates two NASAMS batteries at present and plans to add another in 2028. These systems are being integrated into a broader network that will include short-range weapons, radar systems, and dedicated counter-UAS capabilities.The country’s strategic position has made air defense a major priority. Lithuania borders Russia and Belarus and sits on NATO’s eastern flank, where military planners have been strengthening defensive infrastructure.The government has significantly increased defense expenditure, allocating €4.7 billion in 2026. This funding supports new missile systems, additional NASAMS batteries, mobile air-defense platforms, medium-range radars, and technology for detecting and defeating drones.Security measures have also been expanded around critical infrastructure. Troops have been deployed to assist with the protection of important energy installations amid concerns about potential hostile activity.The latest NASAMS deployment is consequently part of Lithuania’s broader strategy to improve airspace security and reinforce its contribution to NATO’s collective defense posture.
