Lithuania will allocate €300 million until 2030 for the development of the military airbase in Siauliai

Lithuania will allocate €300 million for the development of the infrastructure of the military airbase located near the city of Siauliai. This was announced on April 22 on the website of the Ministry of National Defense of the country.

"In Siauliai region, we are currently implementing almost 30 infrastructure projects that will serve not only Lithuania, but also the entire NATO for decades," the message says.

It is specified that new platforms for cargo planes and fighter jets have recently been opened at the airbase. In the coming months, the taxiway will be reconstructed there and a test stand for aircraft engines will be created.

A fire hangar and a cargo and passenger terminal will also be created to provide logistics for the NATO contingent. An academic building will be built next year.

The ministry said that by 2030 it is planned to completely renovate the runways and taxiways and create new ones, as well as modernize the existing infrastructure.

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The system of military commandant's offices is being improved in the country

On April 18, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense announced plans to gradually increase the number of armed forces to 20,000 people. New military units will also be created.

Earlier, on March 18, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Europe should have strong defense by 2030, for this it is necessary to rearm and develop capabilities for reliable deterrence. In particular, investments in the production of air and missile defense systems, as well as all modern types of drones and anti-drone systems, should be increased for this purpose.