Lithuania to Support Ukraine with €30 Million for Patriot Missile Systems

In a significant step to bolster Ukraine's air defense, Lithuania has announced its plan to contribute up to €30 million (approximately $32.5 million) for the joint acquisition of U.S.-manufactured Patriot missile systems. This commitment was reported by the Lithuanian public broadcaster, LRT, on July 26. The Patriot systems are essential components of Ukraine's air defense framework, designed to intercept both ballistic and cruise missiles, thereby safeguarding urban areas from extensive assaults. Acquiring a full Patriot system, complete with interceptor missiles, involves significant investment, often amounting to over $1 billion. The announcement was made amidst a visit by Baltic defense ministers to the United States. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s air defense during discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where they explored further opportunities for security collaboration. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, Lithuania has consistently acted as a reliable partner to Ukraine, engaging in various forms of support which include military aid, humanitarian assistance, and diplomatic initiatives.