[Newsweek] The U.S. has deployed its much-coveted air defense system for the first time in Lithuania as the Baltic country and its neighbors continue to window shop for anti-aircraft missiles to deter any military incursion from Russia, Lithuania’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The Patriot system will be part of a 500-strong drill, kicking off Tuesday in Lithuania. The country's forces will be joined be troops from the United Kingdom, the United States, Latvia, and Poland. The military kit will only stay in Lithuania until July 22.
All five of the NATO allies participating will contribute to the 30 air defense systems in the Tobruq Legacy 2017 exercise. The event’s purpose is to test the air component command structure of the alliance that also involves elements stationed in Romania and the Czech Republic. |