Lithuanian Air Force

The Lithuanian Air Force is structured primarily for airspace surveillance, air defense, and as a host for NATO's regional air policing mission, rather than for independent air combat operations. Its doctrine is rooted in collective defense within the NATO framework. The force is centered around several key units: the Air Base at Šiauliai, the Air Defence Battalion in Radviliškis, the Airspace Surveillance and Control Command in Kaunas, and an Armament and Equipment Repair Depot.

Operational capability is focused on specific support roles. The airlift fleet, consisting of C-27J Spartan and L-410 Turbolet aircraft, provides transport for troops, cargo, and VIPs. The C-27Js have been used for tasks such as the evacuation of citizens from Israel in 2023. Search-and-rescue and utility missions are performed by AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters. Lacking its own fighter aircraft, Lithuania's air defense relies on the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission stationed at Šiauliai Air Base and its own ground-based air defense assets. The Airspace Surveillance and Control Command is a key component of the regional Baltic Air Surveillance Network (BALTNET), contributing to NATO’s integrated air defense. The Air Defence Battalion provides point and area defense using systems like the NASAMS, RBS 70, Stinger, and Grom.

The Lithuanian Air Force is executing a focused modernization plan. A major infrastructure upgrade at Šiauliai Air Base is underway to better support NATO operations. The rotary-wing fleet is being renewed with the acquisition of four UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, ordered in 2020. Air defense capabilities are being methodically improved. In May 2025, the Air Defence Battalion received a new batch of Bolide missiles for its RBS 70 systems, which offer improved performance against diverse aerial threats in electronically contested environments. This is part of a larger procurement that includes complete RBS 70 NG mobile launcher systems scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2027. In a recent development, Lithuania is also procuring AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles for its NASAMS launchers. In terms of dispositions, the Air Force recently transferred a decommissioned L-39ZA Albatros jet and Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine.