„Lots of events, lots of dynamics. The geopolitical situation dictates that we must be very attentive to what is happening around us. The war in Ukraine has not ended, and it seems that it will not end shortly, so our determination to defend ourselves, to continue to strengthen the Armed Forces' capabilities, remains a top priority,“ said Vaikšnoras.
According to the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the good news is that this year ends with the allocation of 3.2% of GDP to defence.
„However, to continue to develop what has been started, we need to maintain the same amount. Of course, percentages do not usually reflect the amount of money. Still, percentages also help hammer out the stakes and, knowing the possibilities, to go forward and plan the next steps,“ he said.
Vaikšnoras said that during the first 100 days, he had been able to get acquainted with the military units, see their challenges, observe their combat training, and also visit Lithuanian soldiers training Ukrainians in the UK.
„Three months have passed in one week, so I am not slowing down – I can see that there is still a lot to do, and time is ticking.
So, all my attention is now on how to organise the combat training together with the commanders of the forces so that we, based on the lessons learnt by the Ukrainians, could, in a short time, change the training programmes and the attitude itself, so that we would be strong and decisive and fulfil our duties to the homeland, if necessary,“ said Vaikšnoras.
However, regarding state funding for defence, Vaikšnoras indicated that he is not limited to the percentages allocated.
„We have talked and discussed internally, within the army – my principle is to have a wishlist, a certain amount– no matter how much money is allocated, but to have a little more all the time so that if the situation changes, we can immediately put our wishes on the table and the political leadership can respond to it,“ he said.
A dangerous simulation
Vaikšnoras was asked about a simulation of Lithuania's war with Russia presented on Thursday. The simulation showed that Lithuania alone could successfully defend itself in the first ten days of an attack if the country spent an extra EUR 10 billion on defence over the next four years.
Vaikšnoras stressed that although the simulation caused a lot of turbulence, it did not say anything new.
„I am really grateful to the retired generals. This experience was valuable for everyone, as was their position. You can see for yourself that even before I came to this post, changes had already been made—air defence was moved a little earlier, so all the purchases, both for the NASAMS batteries, are already in the acquisition plan.
Regarding the other capabilities that are needed, it is also a matter of reinforcing the existing battalions and brigades. Creating and strengthening the National Division is one of my priorities, so those points identified by the think tanks align with what we have.
The only constraints now are funds and time. We need to realise that the production of the defence industry in Europe and the world differs from what we want it to be. It is slipping,“ he admitted.
