Deployment of Patriot missiles in Lithuania under discussion

Long-range anti-aircraft Patriot missiles could be deployed in Lithuania next year, a high-ranking commander revealed on Thursday.

Major General Vitalijus Vaiksnoras, the chief of the joint staff of Lithuanian armed forces, said the missile system could be deployed in the Baltic state next year, along with the arrival of the multinational NATO battalion.

"This question has been under discussion, but there is no agreement," Vaiksnoras was quoted as saying by BNS news agency.

The first units of the multinational battalion are expected in Lithuania around February to March, said Vaiksnoras.

"Around mid-summer, in early July, we will have fully prepared multinational battalion, which will reach full operational capacities," said Vaiksnoras.

In July, NATO leaders agreed to deploy four multinational battalions to the three Baltic states and Poland amid rising security tensions in eastern Europe. Lithuania will be the first to receive the Germany-led multinational battalion. The German group will also take care of the air defense in the Baltic sky. Endit