Lithuania Announced NASAMS Launchers Transfer to Ukraine

10 November, 2023 The NASAMS launcher on a truck that was handed over to Ukraine. November 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania

The Ukrainian military received two launchers for NASAMS air defense systems from Lithuania. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence added that it had also handed over the necessary equipment along with it. The launchers will be integrated into fire control units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Thus, the launchers will complement and expand the operational capabilities of the NASAMS systems transferred by Norway and the USA. Before the transfer of the launchers, the Ukrainian military underwent comprehensive training in Norway, including courses for drivers and repairmen.

The workplace of the NASAMS air defense system crew. Frame from the video

Along with the NASAMS launchers, Lithuania also donated the vehicles needed by the crews of the system.

The Norwegian Ministry of Defense made a considerable contribution to this Lithuanian support package. The Ministry additionally provided Ukraine with auxiliary equipment for NASAMS systems and fire control points. The Minister of National Defense emphasized that the country's support remains an important factor in Ukraine's defense.

"We listen to Ukraine's needs and call on our allies to hear them as well," added Arvydas Anusauskas, Lithuanian Minister of National Defense.

Reloading of the NASAMS air defense system. Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces

As previously reported, on October 11, Anusauskas announced plans to transfer NASAMS launchers to Ukraine. On November 7, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the new NASAMS air defense systems had been put on combat duty.

In addition to the NASAMS systems, the U.S. and other NATO countries actively supply Ukraine with AIM-120 missiles for these systems.