The Lithuanian Armed Forces has started construction works for the military infrastructure that will accommodate the new long-range radars.
Initially, work has started on the first and third radar posts of the Lithuanian Air Force in Antaveršis village, Prienai district and Deguciai village, Šilute district respectively.
Estimated at around €13m, the construction work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
As part of this project, the Lithuanian Armed Forces will install the next-generation 3D long-range radars at three of its radar posts. The fourth post will be located at Ceikiškes village in Ignalina district.
The radars, which are in compliance with Nato standard, are aimed at improving and strengthening air defence surveillance and control of Lithuanian airspace.
In addition, the new systems will replace the Soviet-era long-range radars that the Lithuanian Armed Forces currently operates.
After the completion of works, the new infrastructures will accommodate the new equipment and also feature work space and administrative premises.
Installation of the new radars is part of a contract signed between a Nato country manufacturer and the Nato Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) along with the Nato Support Agency (NSPA) on behalf of the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania.
In addition to strengthening Lithuania air defence surveillance system, this project will also improve the entire Nato Integrated Air and Missile Defence System.
Currently, Nato deploys military personnel and aircraft to guard the airspace of Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, after the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Recently, the Hungarian Air Force took the lead role in Baltic air policing mission, replacing the Royal Norwegian Air Force in the task.
Image: A preliminary visualisation of the new radar posts. Photo: © Ministry of National Defence Republic of Lithuania.
