German Patriot Systems in Slovakia to Boost Protection of NATO Summit in Vilnius

Bratislava, May 26 (TASR) - Two batteries of the German Patriot system, currently operating in Slovakia, will be involved in the protection of the NATO summit in Vilnius, TASR learnt from Defence Ministry's communications department on Friday. The ministry stated that this was a pre-consulted decision, which was made on the basis of the effectiveness of the use of allied systems where they are currently most needed. "Lithuania doesn't have its own capacities to fulfil such a task, and other NATO member countries don't operate on its territory to the same extent as when protecting Slovakia," said the ministry. Defence Minister Martin Sklenar pointed out that the regrouping of technology is a natural part of the development and responsible evaluation of the security situation. "Just as the protection of Slovakia's airspace was significantly and especially urgently strengthened by the allies in the spring of last year, there is currently an urgent need to deploy allied systems in Vilnius," he noted. Sklenar further emphasised that ensuring the protection of Slovak airspace remains a priority. "In addition to the existing Slovak means, the Italian anti-air SAMP/T system will also continue to operate here, as well as the air defence assets of the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Lest [Banska Bystrica region]," he said. am/mcs