Lithuania deploys NASAMS air defence system near Vilnius

Lithuania has strengthened air defences around the capital Vilnius by deploying a medium-range NASAMS surface-to-air missile system, according to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT.

The move follows reports of possible Russian hybrid operations targeting the Baltic states and Poland.

Lithuanian Army Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras told BNS that the approaches to Vilnius were now protected at a greater range. He said NASAMS offered a combination of speed, range and accuracy in engaging targets.

The system deployed near the capital has replaced the short-range RBS-70 system.

Lithuania currently has two NASAMS batteries and plans to deploy a third in the country in 2028.

The country has also strengthened security around several critical infrastructure sites.

In August, Bloomberg, citing a European official, reported that the CIA had warned allies of signs that Russian intelligence services were preparing possible operations against countries in the region. The reported scenarios included sabotage targeting infrastructure and false-flag attacks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev