Lithuania to supply Ukraine with more NASAMS air defense missile systems.
On August 4, 2023, Lithuania's Ministry of Defense confirmed in an official statement that the country has continuously been providing military support to Ukraine. Throughout the first seven months of 2023, Lithuania has made substantial military contributions to Ukraine. These include Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft guns and ammunition, M113 armored personnel carriers, as well as extensive quantities of ammunition for firearms and grenade launchers.
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Launcher unit of the NASAMS air defense missile system. (Picture source Lithuania MoD)
The military aid package, worth roughly half a billion euros, comprises crucial assets such as Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft weapons with a generous supply of ammunition, and M113 armored carriers. These provisions will significantly strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities, thereby enhancing its ability to defend its borders and safeguard its citizens.
Lithuania is prepared to offer additional support to Ukraine in the near future. This includes NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) air defense missile systems, anti-drone technology, logistical equipment, traps, and various other forms of aid.
In addition to supplying military equipment and hardware, Lithuania has been actively involved in training Ukrainian soldiers. The country is also providing medical treatment and rehabilitation services for Ukrainians, conducting expert consultations, and making financial contributions to international aid funds dedicated to Ukraine. This comprehensive approach to aid highlights Lithuania's commitment to stand with Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict and tension.
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, several countries including Canada, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, and the United States have supplied the Ukrainian armed forces with NASAMS.
Air defense systems have been a top priority for the Ukrainian armed forces, particularly as Russia has recently intensified missile and drone attacks on major cities in Ukraine and on military positions.
The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) is an adaptable, medium-range air defense system developed by Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the United States Raytheon. NASAMS is engineered to provide a network-centric air defense capability against diverse threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Notably flexible, NASAMS can be configured to integrate various sensors, effectors, and command and control options. Its primary missile is the AIM-120 AMRAAM, but it can also employ ESSM (Evolved Seasparrow Missiles) and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, typically used in NASAMS, has a range of up to 180 kilometers and can reach altitudes up to 20 kilometers. These parameters can vary based on the specific missile variant used. NASAMS can engage a variety of targets, such as enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles, in different lighting and weather conditions. The system is known for its quick response time, ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, and resistance to electronic countermeasures, rendering it a robust and versatile asset in modern air defense systems.
Defense News August 2023
