NATO deploys 1000 troops and 12 Patriot systems to protect Vilnius summit – media
The Allies use the latest weapons to protect NATO leaders – Patriot missile systems, NASAMS systems, and combat aircraft.
An additional 1,000 troops from 16 NATO countries, as well as anti-aircraft batteries and fighter jets, have been deployed to Vilnius for the duration of the NATO summit, Reuters reported on July 9.
Many also provide advanced air defense systems that are not available in the Baltic states.
At the time of the summit, Germany deployed 12 Patriot missile launchers in Lithuania, which are designed to counter ballistic missiles, combat aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Spain sent NASAMS air defense systems to Lithuania, France sent Caesar self-propelled guns, Finland, Denmark and France sent fighter jets, and the United Kingdom and France will provide protection against drones.
Poland and Germany also sent special forces with helicopters to Lithuania, and a number of other countries sent chemical, biological, and radiation defense units.
According to a Reuters correspondent, eight Patriot batteries were deployed near Vilnius airport in the direction of Kaliningrad, and two more in the direction of Belarus.
“It would be more than irresponsible to leave our skies unprotected when Biden and the leaders of 40 countries arrive,” said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
Lithuania also tripled the number of border guards on the border with Belarus and Russia, adding officers from Latvia and Poland. The two countries also sent police to help patrol Vilnius.
