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D. Šakalienė will strengthen cooperation with the PANG on UAV and UAV jamming systems in the upcoming visit to the United States

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-08-11
Minister's news

Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė is conducting a visit to the United States on August 11-13 to meet with the PANG leadership, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and representatives of defence industry and AI companies. Minister is also planned to tour some of the U.S. military units and speak to the U.S. press.

"Russia presents a long-term threat, as a result of which we are developing the National Division, conducting modernization of the Armed Forces and fortifying the border area at unprecedented speed. Dating back to three decades ago, the collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard has developed into a model partnership. In the light of the complicated security situation, we will develop cooperation on UAV and anti-UAV systems with the PANG. We will be particularly attentive to drone operator training and sharing lessons learned," Minister D. Šakalienė said.

The Pennsylvania National Guard has been partnering with Lithuania on the basis of the State Partnership programme since 1993. The United States consistently supports our defence capacity building and has rotated heavy battalions deployed in Lithuania for persistent continuous presence since 2019. The rotational U.S. battalion deployed in Lithuania has been reinforced with an artillery unit since 2022. The U.S. military presence in Lithuania has a critical role in deterrence and security guarantees of the Baltic states.

Lithuania has acquired approx. EUR 2 billion of U.S. equipment and arms over the past there years which makes it the largest weaponry buyer from the United States among the Baltic states the U.S.-made procurement standing at nearly 20% of our procurement in total. Lithuania's purchases from the U.S. include the Javelin anti-tank missile system, JLTV joint light tactical vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS artillery rocket system, AMRAAM missiles for the NASAMS medium-range air defence systems, Switchblade loitering munition system, etc.

Lithuania has opening of new infrastructure and training campuses for U.S. troops scheduled for this autumn. Lithuania's investment in infrastructure dedicated for U.S. military personnel exceeds USD 200 million.