The US Congress has approved USD 200mn in security assistance to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI) in 2026, ERR reports. BSI supports the independent defence capabilities and interoperability of the Baltic States. In addition, the US has allocated defence aid to the Baltic States under the Department of State’s Foreign…
The defence ministers of the three Baltic States have signed a letter of intent on establishing a Baltic Military Mobility Area, LSM reports. The aim is to standardise border crossing procedures, coordinate the movement of military cargo, and ensure operational information exchange. Furthermore, the Baltic allies will work to align their military movement procedures with…
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK) has signed a contract to buy six K239 Chunmoo self-propelled multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace for EUR 290mn, ERR reports. Under the deal, Hanwha will deliver the MLRS units within two years. Additional units and longer range may be added later. Also, Hanwha will…
Lithuania’s Defence Minister, Robertas Kaunas, has dismissed concerns over contractors chosen to build a military base for German troops in Rudninkai, ELTA reports. He noted that none of the bidders raised security concerns and there was thus no legal basis to exclude them. One of the companies, Rudina, which won a contract for EUR 348.35mn,…
Lithuania has submitted an application for EUR 6.375bn of support from the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument to finance around 50 defence projects, BNS reports. Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa said that Lithuania would use the EU funds to acquire tanks or tracked infantry fighting vehicles for a national army division. Also,…
Three members of the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, have submitted a draft resolution to recognise Palestinian statehood, BNS reports. The resolution was submitted by two MPs from the far-right populist party, Dawn of Nemunas (PPNA), Petras Dargis and Karolis Neimantas, and MP Rimas Jonas Jankunas of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVZS). Both parties are part…
Lithuanian cultural workers have rejected talks with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene over their opposition to the appointment of Ignotas Adomavicius, member of the far-right populist party, Dawn of Nemunas, as Minister of Culture, BNS reports. Activists have set up a committee to coordinate protests and plans for a warning strike on 5 October 2025, LRT…
Lithuania has extended the closure of part of the country’s airspace along the border with Belarus until 1 December 2025, the Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) announced, BNS reports. LGP pointed to continued security concerns and the need for new legislation to guide military operations. Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene said that extending the airspace closure was…
The US Congress has approved an increase in the maximum number of HIMARS systems and related munitions that can be sold to Estonia, BNS reports. According to Vanguard Intel Group, the US has raised the sales cap from EUR 500mn to EUR 4.73bn. This would allow Estonia to buy an additional 12 HIMARS launchers, 200…