Robertas Kaunas

Poland and Lithuania are participating in discussions about expanding their roles in NATO’s nuclear deterrence efforts, which involve U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe. Both countries deny current plans to host nuclear weapons but confirm ongoing classified talks, with the U.S. reportedly considering new European bases for dual-capable aircraft.

The future presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania is under review, with the defense minister noting uncertainty about the timing and size of the next troop rotation. The U.S. is reducing its European troop presence amid tensions with NATO allies over Iran, while Lithuania has increased defense spending to 5.4% of GDP.

Russia is using GPS spoofing to misdirect Ukrainian strike drones into NATO airspace, causing incidents like a drone strike on a Romanian apartment block and a Latvian oil depot explosion. Lithuania reported increased Russian spoofing transmitters near Kaliningrad, disrupting drone navigation and forcing NATO countries to scramble jets. NATO has condemned the attacks but has not retaliated.

Lithuania's State Defense Council authorized the purchase of 936 Patria six-wheel-drive armored personnel carriers to replace aging M113 vehicles, with a contract expected in 2027. The procurement includes local industry participation through the CAVS program, aligning with NATO requirements and interoperability goals.

Lithuanian airspace was violated by a drone on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to shelter underground and temporarily suspending air and train traffic in Vilnius. NATO activated its Air Policing Mission to neutralize the threat, which lasted about an hour. Baltic states have blamed Russia for redirecting Ukrainian drones into their territory, though Moscow denies involvement.