It also noted that the mid-range air defense system project would cost over 1 billion euros ($109 billion) and that the equipment was expected to be delivered to Lithuania by the year of 2020.
"Signature of this technical agreement is one of the most important phases in developing mid-range defence capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. It is excellent that our partner Norway has not only agreed to sell NASAMS equipment, which will strengthen security of Lithuania’s airspace, but also to assist in introducing the system in the Lithuanian Armed Forces," Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas said, as quoted in the statement.
In May, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced the start of negotiations with Norway on the acquisition of the mid-range NASAMS.
Lithuania has been a member of NATO since 2004. This year, its defense budged amounted to 1.48 percent of the GDP. In 2017, Lithuania’s defense budged should increase to the 1.77 percent of the GDP.
