The Dutch Ministry of Defence has announced the forthcoming deployment of one of its MIM-104 Patriot missile defence systems to Lithuania for a training exercise scheduled for the summer of 2024, in line with Nato’s Rotational Air Defence Model. The aim of the exercise is to evaluate the deployment of air defence units and systems for seamless integration into air defence tasks.
In a press release, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren reiterated her nation’s dedication to Baltic security, emphasizing that the deployment of the missile defence system sends a strong signal to eastern allies that they can depend on the Netherlands for air defence support.
The decision to deploy the Patriot system to Lithuania arises from concerns that Nato allies have been sluggish in fulfilling their commitments to send air defence systems to the Baltic region as outlined in the Rotational Air Defence Model established at the alliance’s Vilnius summit in July 2023.
Former Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Arvydas Anušauskas, urged Nato to expedite the deployment of air defence systems, underlining the Model’s significance to Lithuania, which depends on collective defence due to budget limitations.
According to GlobalData intelligence, Lithuania’s defence budget has experienced a significant rise, increasing by 16.2% between 2020 and 2024, with further growth anticipated in the years ahead. The MIM-104 Patriot system, supplied by the US to Ukraine, is estimated to cost around $1.1 billion, making it one of the most costly weapon systems provided by the US.
Despite a period of inactivity in air defence support, the Netherlands has been a staunch advocate for the Baltic republic in other areas, contributing to Nato Air Policing since 2005 and participating in various military projects and initiatives in the region.
In response to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, Nato has been bolstering its troop presence in the region as a deterrent. The deployment of assets such as the Patriot missile defence system is vital to ensuring a swift and effective response to potential threats.
The Netherlands’ decision to dispatch the Patriot system to Lithuania underscores the commitment of Nato allies to collective defence and security in the Baltic region, in accordance with the objectives of the alliance.