Italy has deployed a SAMP/T air-defense system to Lithuania for a joint military exercise with the Lithuanian Air Force from February 10 to 20, 2025. The deployment is part of NATO’s Rotational Air Defence Model in the Baltic states, as confirmed by the Italian and Lithuanian defense ministries. Lithuanian Vice-Minister for National Defence Tomas Godliauskas emphasized that the model, approved at the 2023 Vilnius NATO summit, is strengthening air defense and deterrence across the alliance. The exercise features Lithuanian NASAMS systems, Italian and French fighter jets from NATO’s Baltic air policing mission, and the Lithuanian air operations center. The drills reinforce NATO’s commitment to regional security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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