Lithuania to procure US air defence missiles

Lithuania is buying 36 AIM-120C-8 (AMRAAM) medium-range missiles from the US for 94 million euros ($100 million), the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has said.

AMRAAM missiles can be used with the NASAMS medium-range air defence system, currently in use by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, according to LRT.

"We continue to ensure that the Lithuanian Armed Forces have sufficient ammunition. The AMRAAM missiles will be meant for our NASAMS medium-range air defence systems," Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said.

The DSCA says these missiles "will improve Lithuania’s capability to conduct self-defence and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the US and other NATO members".

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the agency adds.

Lithuania received the first Norwegian-made NASAMS system in late 2020, and a second phase of the acquisition was initiated earlier this year. Vilnius has also purchased NASAMS launchers for Ukraine.