Grybauskaite and Vejonis discuss joint defence programmes for Lithuania and Latvia

Lithuanian and Latvian Presidents Dalia Grybauskaite and Raimonds Vejonis confirmed both countries are considering a joint purchase of air defence systems.

Vejonis, who was sworn in as Latvian President on July 9, 2015, had his first offical meeting as Latvia's President with Lithuanian counterpart Dalia Grybauskaite in Vilnius on July 13.

“We discussed issues related to strengthening military cooperation, including the joint acquisition of weaponry, especially air defence,” Grybauskaite told a joint press conference she shared with Vejonis. 

While the Lithuanian President refused to further elaborate on the plans, she said “we’ll buy what we are capable of buying, what we need, and how much we need. 

“If it's cheaper, we [Lithuania and Latvia] will do it together.”

In May 2015, Defence Ministers from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia announced plans to create a joint medium-range air defense system in Panevezys, a town in Northern Lithuania. 

During the meeting, Vejonis said joint defence purchases would lower costs, and added Poland could be involved in the process.

He also confirmed medium-range air defense systems are being considered, also without providing any details.

Prior to becoming Latvia’s President, Vejonis was the country’s Defence Minister.