Lithuania expects a positive decision on the purchase of short-range anti-aircraft missile systems for Ukraine in the near future.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced that within two to three weeks, Lithuania would have a final answer on the SAM for Ukraine.

“We are also studying the possibility of purchasing short-range anti-aircraft missile systems for Ukrainian air defense. I hope that we will have a positive result within two to three weeks and will be able to transfer these systems to the Ukrainians,” he added.

Short-range anti-aircraft missile systems are usually designed to shoot down helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.

Nausėda noted that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Lithuania has already provided Ukraine with €647 million in security assistance.

The Baltic country has also pledged to allocate 0.25% of GDP, or about €190 million, annually for this purpose.

The Lithuanian President also noted that his country is investing €10 million in the production of Ukrainian Palianytsia long-range missile drones and is interested in cooperation in the production of naval drones.

“Lithuania will continue to work with its allies to mobilize support for Ukraine. At both the European Council and NATO meetings, I always emphasize that assistance should be increased, as the current volume and speed of its provision are insufficient,” the Lithuanian president said.

He stated that the West should provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, fighter jets, and air defense systems as soon as possible.

Previously, Lithuania strengthened Ukraine’s air defense with RADA ieMHR radars.

It was also reported in May that Lithuania will acquire Amber-1800 radars for the Ukrainian army with a detection range of up to 400 kilometers. Radars are produced by the Lithuanian company Altimus-tech (formerly LiTak-Tak).

Previously, Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas called for a review of the algorithm of NATO’s Baltic air policing mission after the recent downing of a Russian drone over Latvia.