Lithuania Confirms September Delivery of NASAMS Air Defense Missile Launchers to Ukraine.

In a recent visit to Kyiv on August 23, 2023, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed that Lithuania will fulfill its commitment to deliver NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Defense Missile System) air defense missile launchers to Ukraine in September 2023.
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Norwegian soldiers conducted a live firing exercise with the NASAMS air defense missile system in May 2023. (Picture source Norway MoD)

During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Nausėda expressed Lithuania's continued support for Ukraine, stating on platform X (previously known as Twitter), "Today in Kyiv I told my dear friend President Zelensky that Lithuania will keep supporting Ukraine until victory. Lithuania will deliver NASAMS air defense missile launchers to Ukraine next month."

The announcement follows Nausėda's previous statement on June 28, 2023, where he revealed that Lithuania had acquired two NASAMS launchers with plans to transfer them to Ukraine. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry further confirmed in early August that the delivery would occur "soon."

Lithuania has been a steadfast supporter of Kyiv, providing various military equipment in 2023, including Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 40mm anti-aircraft guns with ammunition, M113 tracked Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), millions of artillery pieces, and cartridges with grenades. Additionally, Lithuania has offered training and medical support for Ukrainian soldiers.

The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Defense Missile System) systems, already in service with Ukrainian forces since November 2022, have proven valuable in the face of escalating Russian airstrikes. The U.S. initially delivered the first batteries, followed by Norway, which provided two systems in March 2023 and pledged to deliver two more launchers.

With a maximum range of 50 km, depending on the variants, the NASAMS system is particularly significant for Ukraine. It utilizes the AIM-120 AMRAAM interceptor missile, the same missile employed in air-to-air missions in Western fighter jets, enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Defense News August 2023