In Lithuania, the NASAMS air defense system was used during military exercises for the first time

In Lithuania, a unit armed with NASAMS air defense systems first participated in the military exercises.

This occurred within the framework of the Iron Wolf 2023-I multinational exercises, which take place between May 8 and 20.

The press service of the Armed Forces of Lithuania reported this.

The military also published a photo capturing the process of the system being prepared for use.

In particular, they demonstrated the NASAMS air defense system equipment with SL-AMRAAM (Surface Launched AMRAAM) missiles, used to attack various air targets.

The Armed Forces of Lithuania emphasized that servicemen of the air defense battalion undergo training together with other Lithuanian and foreign military units.

It is emphasized that the NASAMS medium-range air defense system is being used during the Iron Wolf exercises for the first time.

Lithuania emphasizes that the NASAMS air defense system is one of the most effective medium-range air defense systems, the main task of which is to support and protect areas, strategic objects, and ground units from air attacks. Systems are designed to destroy various types of enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.

The contract to supply NASAMS air defense systems to Lithuania was signed on October 26, 2017.

The intention to purchase the air defense system was first announced on October 20, 2016, along with a technical agreement about these intentions. The value of the deal was estimated at €100 million.

In October 2020, the Lithuanian NASAMS were officially transferred to the air defense battalion. These systems arrived in the country in June of the same year.

NASAMS systems are produced by a consortium of the American corporation Raytheon Technologies and the Norwegian group Kongsberg. The NASAMS SAM became the first ground-based system to use AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) missiles.