Lithuanian troops to be deployed to 12 international missions

Press release, 16 December 2021 

The Seimas has made the decision to authorise the deployment of Lithuanian troops to 12 international operations and military exercises in 2022–2023. The relevant Resolution of the Seimas (draft No. XIVP-1143(2) was adopted by 120 votes in favour, with three abstentions.

‘Participation in international operations remains an important part of Lithuania’s commitment to international security and represents a means of strengthening NATO’s collective defence, the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, the UN peacekeeping efforts, and multilateral and bilateral military cooperation. In 2022–2023, a priority will continue to be given to participation in international operations run by NATO, NATO allied coalitions and EU-led international operations. Lithuania will also strive to maintain its contribution to the UN-led operation in Mali and the military training operation run by the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine,’ the initiators of the draft state in their explanatory note to the Resolution.

Under the Resolution, up to 60 soldiers and civilian staff of the national defence system will be deployed to a military training operation in Ukraine for the purpose of training the Ukrainian armed forces.

Up to 50 troops and other staff of the national defence system are to be deployed to the NATO military training operation in Iraq and to the UN-led operation in the Republic of Mali.

Up to 40 soldiers and civilian staff of the national defence system will be made available for joining the US-led coalition in the military operation Inherent Resolve. Up to 30 soldiers will be available for deployment to the EU counter-piracy operation Atalanta and the French-led international operation task force Takuba. Up to 20 troops will be available for deployment to the EU military operation in the Mediterranean.

Up to 11 soldiers and civilian staff of the national defence system are to be deployed to EU military training missions in Mozambique, Mali and Central African Republic.

Finally, up to 5 soldiers will be available for deployment to the NATO-led international operation in Kosovo and to the international maritime security operation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Rimas Rudaitis, Chief Specialist, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, tel. +370 5 239 6132, e-mail: [email protected]