Air Defence Battalion (Lithuania)
| Air Defence Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Oro gynybos batalionas | |
|
Insignia | |
| Active |
1935–1940 2000–present |
| Country |
 Lithuania |
| Branch | Lithuanian Air Force |
| Type | Anti-air |
| Role | Air defence |
| Size | Over 300 |
| Garrison/HQ | Radviliškis |
| Anniversaries | 1 September 2000 |
| Equipment |
FIM-92 Stinger RBS-70 Bofors 40 mm L/70 |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Lt.Col. Nerijus Kačkauskas |
| Chief of Staff | Major Ovidijus Pilitauskas |
The Air Defence Battalion is the main air defence unit of the Lithuanian Air Force. It was created as part of efforts to strengthen and organise the air defence capabilities of the Lithuanian Air Force (LTAF), in 2000.
History
The present Air Defence Battalion is considered to be a revival of a similar unit in the air force of independent Republic of Lithuania between the World Wars, active from 1935 to 1940.
In 1998, efforts to develop and strengthen the LTAF defence capabilities began under supervision of Col. Česlovas Braziulis. That same year, Swedish Defence officials offered to donate weaponry, technical documentation and training programmes to for a battalion. At this time, the idea of establishing the battalion started to become a reality.
From 1999 to 2000 a group of LTAF troops took studies in military training institutions units in Sweden, where they received theoretical knowledge and practical experience working with battalion weaponry.
In July 2000, the LTAF established the Air Defence Battalion. Lt. Col. Remigijus Daujotis was appointed as Commander of the Battalion.
In September 2000, the Battalion received the first consignment of combat equipment from Sweden. Another shipment of combat equipment and ammunition arrived at the end of 2000. According to the bilateral agreement with Sweden, Swedish advisers who help Lithuanians adapt to the battalion’s equipment presently work in the Air Defence Battalion.
Tasks
The Air Defence Battalion’s primary missions include:
- Defend state facilities of vital importance against military aviation attacks from the air in low and medium altitude;
- Support land forces in fighting against ground armoured technical equipment and in other events;
- Train military personnel in carrying out combat tasks.
Development of infrastructure is one key missions of the Air Defence Battalion currently in the stage of development.
Equipment
| Name | Sample photo | Origin | Type | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIM-92 Stinger |  |
 United States |
Man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile | 8 | Acquired in 2007 "Dual Mount Stinger" modification with 54 missiles, 9 trainers, 6 test missiles, 2 MPQ-64 Sentinel radars, tactical control centres and Humvee trucks for transportation.[1][2] |
| RBS-70 |  |
 Sweden |
Short-range man-portable air-defence system | 21 | Including 5 training simulators, 5 Giraffe Mk-IV radars and about 210 Mk1 missiles.[3] Being modernised to NG version. |
| Bofors 40 mm L/70 |  |
Sweden |
Anti-aircraft autocannon | 18 | Radar controlled version, fitted with fire-control radars type 790. Used in ships too. |
See also
External links
References
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