Press release, 20 December 2018
On 20 December 2018, subject to urgency procedure, the Seimas endorsed a new National Defence System Development Programme for the next ten years. The Programme was adjusted due to the changes in the security situation in the region and increased defence spending.
The new Programme lays establishes objectives and priorities of the Lithuanian armed forces and lays down the key means to achieve the set goals.
The central goal of the National Defence System development remains to be readiness for national-level or collective defence of the country, including enhancement of military power of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, readiness to host military forces of NATO allies deployed to Lithuania in case of a crisis, involvement of different state institutions and the population into preparation for defence, and resilience to information attacks.
Vytautas Bakas, Chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence, is convinced that the new National Defence System Development Programme is a major step forward in improving the national defence system. ‘The new Programme will allow for acquisition of the necessary military equipment, development of the necessary capacity and infrastructure, and boosting of the motivation of soldiers,’ Vytautas Bakas said.
Moreover, the new National Defence System Development Programme establishes objectives as to the number of the Lithuanian population, who would be ready to defend their homeland in case of need. The aim is to ensure that in 2028, as many as 58% of the Lithuania population are ready for national defence. In comparison, this figure stood at 43% in 2018.
The Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defence noted that ‘we have to step up even further education on matters pertaining to national defence and national security in schools, and to promote patriotism education. Moreover, we will further develop strategic communication of the national defence system. Having defined our expectations, we will engage more institutions in encouraging the public to be ready to defend the country.’
The new programme is intended to be implemented in 2019–2028.
Justas Valiuškevičius, Assistant-Secretary to Vytautas Bakas, Member of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6772, e-mail: Justas.valiuskevicius@lrs.lt