Lithuania Calls for Stronger European Defense Industry and Air Defense Measures at NATO Assembly
Lithuania used the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius to press allies for faster defense industrial expansion, stronger air defense capabilities, and continued support for Ukraine.
Lithuania has urged NATO members to accelerate investments in defense production, air defense systems, and military readiness as security concerns on the Alliance’s eastern flank continue to grow.
Speaking during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said European allies must move more quickly to address capability shortfalls and strengthen collective deterrence. The meeting, held from May 29 to June 1 at the Lithuanian parliament, brought together lawmakers from NATO member states and partner countries ahead of the Alliance’s upcoming summit in Ankara.
According to Lithuanian officials, recent drone-related incidents affecting the Baltic region and other NATO countries have highlighted vulnerabilities in airspace protection and reinforced the need for stronger defensive measures. Budrys called for additional air surveillance assets, expanded counter-drone capabilities, and increased NATO vigilance activities in the Baltic Sea region.
A central Lithuanian message focused on shifting from the current air policing framework toward a broader air defense posture. Vilnius argues that monitoring and intercepting airspace violations alone is no longer sufficient and that NATO must strengthen its ability to respond to emerging aerial threats, including unmanned systems.
Budrys also identified the expansion of Europe’s defense industrial base as a strategic priority. He stated that closing critical capability gaps will require higher defense spending, faster procurement processes, and increased production capacity across key sectors, including air defense, ammunition, logistics, and counter-drone technologies.
Lithuania has been among the most vocal NATO members advocating stronger defense spending targets and greater European responsibility within the transatlantic security framework. The country plans to allocate 5.4 percent of GDP to defense in 2026, one of the highest levels among NATO members, according to Lithuanian officials.
The Lithuanian government also reiterated that continued support for Ukraine remains a core element of European security. Budrys said NATO allies should maintain assistance programs and incorporate lessons from Ukraine’s wartime experience into future force development and defense planning. He also stressed that a strong United States military presence in Europe remains an essential element of deterrence while European nations increase their own defense contributions.
The discussions in Vilnius come as NATO continues to strengthen its eastern flank and prepares for further decisions on force posture, capability development, and defense spending commitments across the Alliance.
