Lithuania deploys NASAMS air defense systems near Vilnius

Lithuania has deployed NASAMS air defense systems in areas near the capital Vilnius, replacing the previously used RBS-70 systems.

According BNS, Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander General Raimundas Vaikšnor?s said the NASAMS systems provide more effective and broader protection for the capital.

“Today, the areas near Vilnius are protected more effectively, with greater capabilities and a wider range,” Vaikšnor?s said.

The general also noted that using expensive NASAMS missiles against relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles may not be economically efficient. However, he said Lithuania currently has no other means available to counter this type of threat.

NASAMS is considered a medium-range air defense system, while the RBS-70 is primarily designed to engage aerial targets at shorter ranges.

Lithuania has been expanding its air defense capabilities in recent years. In addition to NASAMS, the country also operates mobile short-range air defense systems based on the RBS-70 NG.