Lithuania vice defmin talks arms procurement, capabilities in France

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defense Vilius Semeska met with French Defense Minister Florence Parly in France and they discussed possible acquisition of French weapons and the deployment of French capabilities in Lithuania.

"France has a very well-developed defense industry, and we are seeking to join certain programs for the development and production of arms and to acquire state-of-the-art systems," Semeska was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Ministry of National Defense.

"We also discussed with Minister Parly possible deployment of the indirect fire capability of the French army in Lithuania in the near future," he said.

During the meeting on Tuesday, Semeska also discussed support to Ukraine, stressing it must be continuous and stepped-up, especially in terms of arms and ammunition.

Moreover, the Lithuanian voice minister also discussed ways to boost Lithuanian acquisitions and capabilities with the leadership of the French General Directorate.

The French Air Force has carried out eight NATO air policing missions in the Baltic states, and French troops are also involved in NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Groups and are taking part in military exercises in Lithuania and Estonia.