APRIL 2021. NO 4 (35)

NEWS

MEETING WITH COMMANDER OF THE NATO SHAPE

GERMANY SHELVES NEW ANTI-MISSILE WEAPON AND TURNS TO DRONE DEFENSE Over M72 LAW light NATO'S PRESENCE LT COL HEBISCH: "I THINK WE anti-tank weapons ARE DOING OUR JOB RIGHT" APRIL 14 WAS A HISTORICAL DAY IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION: THE OF AMERICA DONATED TO M72 LAW LIGHT ANTI-TANK WEAPONS WHICH WILL BE USED TO ARM THE NATIONAL DEFENCE VOLUNTEER FORCE OF THE . THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE UNITED STATES BOOSTS OUR DEFENCE BY INVESTING SEVERAL TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN OUR WEAPONRY.

he donation was handed over to the defence policy priority," stated Minister of National Defence System at a cere- National Defence A. Anušauskas at the cere- mony held at the Lithuanian Grand mony. DukeT Gediminas Headquarters Battalion in "The Lithuanian Armed Forces will be as . The event was attended by Minister strong as each of Lithuanian soldiers is. Not of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas, just physically or of a strong morale — it is SPECIAL U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania HE Robert also important to be provided with proper S. Gilchrist, Chief of Defence of Lithuania weaponry. The U.S. donation of the light LONG AND INTENSIVE: Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupšys, rep- anti-tank weapons has made our territorial ITALIAN MISSION IN THE resentatives of the Ministry of National De- defence units significantly stronger, their fence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces. combat capability and warfighting power BALTIC SKIES "I am highly pleased to be here today has been boosted and a surefire, resolute at the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas and effective territorial defence has been Headquarters Battalion side by side with U.S. enabled. The U.S. assistance strengthens the Ambassador, Chief of Defence of Lithuania ranks of our Volunteer Force, Land Force, and Lithuanian soldiers. I thank the United and the Lithuanian Armed Forces, and thus States, Lithuania’s strategic partner, for the as- guarantees an even more effective defence sistance in developing capabilities of the Lith- and deterrence against aggression," Chief of uanian Armed Forces. The U.S. investments Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen V. Rupšys said to strengthen our capabilities show that the at the hand-over ceremony. United States sees Lithuania as an important See page 2 Content Over M72 LAW light NEWS OVER M72 LAW LIGHT ANTI-TANK anti-tank weapons WEAPONS...... 1,2

MEETING WITH COMMANDER OF THE NATO SHAPE...... 3

MEETING WITH MINISTER OF DEFENCE OF GEORGIA...... 4

RUSSIAN MILITARY BUILDUP IN THE ARCTIC...... 5

GERMANY SHELVES NEW ANTI-MISSILE WEAPON AND TURNS TO DRONE DEFENSE...... 6 PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM DISINFORMATION...... 7

From page 1 IN SHORT The M72 LAWs will supplement the current arsenal of Swedish Carl- Gustav and single-shot AT-4 anti-tank weapons used by the Lithuanian BRG. GEN. — Armed Forces infantry. The M72 LAW light anti-tank weapons are of A DESIGNER OF THE LITHUANIAN a smaller calibre the present Lithuanian Armed Forces stock and their MILITARY AIRPLANES ANBO...... 8 effective firing range is shorter, however, the M72 LAW is significantly EXERCISE "CRYSTAL ARROW 2021" IN lighter and more compact and these characteristics are particularly rele- vant to the National Defence Volunteer Force battlefield tactics. : THE BEST MOMENTS...... 10 "The new weaponry donated by our American allies will greatly enhance the firepower of the volunteer force — light infantry squads. Penetration power of the presented anti-armour weapons is signifi- NATO'S PRESENCE cant enough to effectively destroy armoured or not armoured vehicles, LT COL HEBISCH: "I THINK WE ARE bunkers and other field engineering fortifications within the range of DOING OUR JOB RIGHT"...... 12 200–300 meters. The weapon is convenient because it is lightweight and simple to prepare for use, one soldier can carry more than one M72 LAW. We will equip infantry and reconnaissance squads with the new SPECIAL weapons," said Commander of the National Defence Volunteer Force LONG AND INTENSIVE: ITALIAN MISSION Col Dainius Pašvenskas. According to the National Defence Volunteer Force Commander, his IN THE BALTIC SKIES...... 18 force trains military personnel for armed defence of the land territory of the Republic of Lithuania, therefore it is very important for its military personnel to get efficient weaponry and versatile training. The United States is providing assistance to the force not only in the form of M72 LAW anti-armour weaponry but also theoretical knowledge and practi- Military Press Office of Lithuanian Armed Forces cal skills — which stands out as an excellent example of mutual coopera- Totorių str. 25, LT-01121, Vilnius; tion and strength building. Phone (370 5) 210 3897, GSM (370 6) 86 94458; fax (370 5) 273 5550; The M72 LAWs have been combat-tested by U.S. and allied forces Email [email protected] in the operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in other conflicts. Roughly Publisher — Lithuanian Armed Forces. The opinion of editorial office does not necessarily coin- cide with the opinion of the authors. Pictures, manuscripts are not returned and reviewed. Cir- 40 countries worldwide, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, culation is 300 copies. Printed by the Cartography Center of Lithuanian Military, Muitinės str.4, Belgium, Israel, Denmark, Finland, etc., equip their militaries with the Domeikava, LT-54359 dist. Order GL-170. M72 LAW. MoD information Photo credits: A. Pliadis/MoD

2 Lithuanian Military Digest News

Meeting with Commander of the NATO SHAPE n March 31 Chief of Defence Lieu- tenant General Valdemaras Rupšys had a meeting with Commander of Othe NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Po- wers Europe United States General Tod Wolters in Vilnius. Generals discussed NATO measures of deterrence, regional secu- rity, as well as activities and defence tasks of the NATO military units in Lithuania. "NATO enhanced Forward Presence in the eastern flank of the Alliance is very effective. We are sustaining four battalion-sized battle- groups in the Baltic Sea region. Manned from across the Alliance, the allied forces are com- pleting tasks along with host forces and de- monstrate real Alliance solidarity and collec- tive defence commitment," said Commander of the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Ge- neral Tod Wolters. Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen Valde- maras Rupšys thanked Gen T. Wolters for re- armed forces that are manned, have a high mo- lities contributes by allies and advises NATO’s specting the commitments of NATO and the rale and maintain high readiness — and able to military and political leadership on a range of allies, for the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mis- defend from an aggressor, alone or with allies. military topics. sion, NATO Force Integration Unit, NATO NATO has been securing Lithuania the chance SHAPE, NATO’s main headquarters coor- enhanced Forward Presence, and for excellent to develop as a state for 17 years now by sharing dinates Alliance missions worldwide, it is based cohesion with the Lithuanian Armed Forces. defence tasks in the spirit of solidarity and by in Mons, Belgium, while the Allied Joint Force NATO forces in Lithuania ensure a reliable helping fill capability gaps," Lt Gen Valdemaras Command (JFC) Brunssum, the Netherlands, deterrence and allow the Lithuanian Armed Rupšys said. is responsible for Central Europe. Forces to learn and improve. SHAPE is in charge for NATO force gene- Spokesperson for the Chief of Defence "The Lithuanian NATO membership is pri- ration, operational planning and execution. It Maj Tomas Balkus marily a commitment of our country to have also provides command and control to capabi- Photo credits: Sgt Spc 1st Class Ieva Budzeikaitė World’s largest cyber defence exercise n April 13-16 the largest and most simulated for the exercise and critical infra- complex international cyber de- structure. fence live-fire exercise in the world, Exercise organisers will test the cyber inci- OLocked Shields 2021, is held by the NATO Co- dent management protocols (covering strate- operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence gic and operational level decision-making, and (CCDCOE) in Tallinn (). A joint team defence of civilian and military infrastructure formed by the Lithuanian Ministry of National and capabilities) used by the Blue Teams with Defence, National Cyber Security Centre, a range of technical and strategic simulations. Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuanian Crimi- The exercise is based on a scenario accor- nal Police Bureau, representatives of energy ding to which a fictional island country Berylia and private sectors is training in the exercise on undergoes a deteriorating security situation Lithuania’s behalf. and coordinated cyber attacks against its main This year the exercise highlights coordina- military and civilian IT systems. tion across cyber defence and strategic deci- This year the exercise iteration is held re- sion-makers and their understanding of inter- motely: not only the Blue Teams but also the relatedness of IT systems. Participants of the organisers will join via a secure connection exercise also will be challenged by different from their home countries. types of cyber threats to show their ability to MoD information protect from the cyber-attacks vital services Photo credit: exercise organisers

April 2021. No 4. 3 News

Meeting with Minister of Defence of Georgia

n April 8 Minister of National De- cing, and a growing public confidence in na- tion left for the from where the guests fence Arvydas Anušauskas met with tional defence. will proceed to Antaklanis cemetery to pay re- his counterpart of Georgia, Minis- J. Burchuladze was appointed Minister of spects to the victims of the 9 April 1989 Soviet Oter of Defence Juansher Burchuladze visiting Defence of Georgia in February earlier this aggression in Tbilisi at the January 13 memo- Lithuania. Ministers discussed regional secu- year. He arrived in Lithuania from Latvia as he rial. Georgia is also commemorates the 30th an- rity, bilateral cooperation, Georgia’s NATO is conducting a tour in the , his first niversary of the declaration of the Act of Inde- integration, and . foreign visit. pendence and secession from the "We will continue supporting Georgia’s After meeting with Minister A. Anušauskas on April 9. Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations at po- Defence Minister of Georgia and his delega- The Georgian delegation is also planned litical level and with practical assistance. We to visit the National Cyber Security Centre in see ongoing Georgia’s involvement in various Kaunas Thursday. NATO formats, however, we are making it Tomorrow Vice Minister of Defence of clear: respect of the principles of democracy Lithuania and Georgia Margiris Abukevičius and memberships in Euro-Atlantic organisa- and Lela Chikovani are planned to meet bilate- tions are not dissociable. We observe rally and sign the bilateral defence cooperation take advantage of political instability in neigh- plan 2021. bouring countries and instrumentalize it to Major areas of bilateral military cooperation obstruct their integration. We hope that the between Lithuania and Georgia are military situation in Georgia’s internal policy will not training and education, cyber security, joint undermine the progress already made," Minis- participation in exercises, support to NATO ter A. Anušauskas said after the meeting. programmes in Georgia with additional fo- Minister also underscored to the guest and cus on the Black Sea region. Lithuania is also his delegation Lithuania’s priorities: the state ready to share its experience in fighting hybrid and society of Lithuania resilient to hybrid threats. and cyber threats, stronger Lithuanian Armed MoD information Forces, consistent increase in defence finan- Photo credits: A. Pliadis / MoD

4 Lithuanian Military Digest News Russian military buildup in the Arctic ussia’s continued military NATO has a role in the Arctic," Hen- investments in the Arctic ning Vaglum, the director general for may spur NATO to accord security policy at Norway’s Defence Mi- theR region a more prominent focus in nistry, said at the Atlantic Council event. the alliance’s defense planning, accor- "There have historically been some ding to Nordic officials and analysts. doubts about that." The push comes amid a delicate However, U.S. policymakers don’t dance by northern European govern- view the region as a source of imminent ments to both deter and cooperate with conflict. — simultaneous effortsthat "It’s the region where, in many re- risk drowning in a pit of fresh geopoliti- spects, the status quo is enviable," said cal ambitions laid bare by climate change. James DeHart, the U.S. State Depart- A warming Arctic is opening new ment’s coordinator for the Arctic region. fronts of competition in the resource- "I’m not downplaying the risks here," rich region — even faraway China is he added. "We have to have our eyes getting involved — that could spill over open." into a security problem for the alliance. If At the same time, Pentagon officials that happens, NATO should have a stra- are cleareyed that tensions elsewhere tegy in place to manage the conflict, the could quickly spill over to the High thinking goes. North. "We have to be able to connect "You have so many components for some dots and think forward about what a classic security dilemma increasing we should be anticipating from Russia in in the Arctic," Anna Wieslander, the A soldier holds a machine gun as he patrols the Russian northern military the region," said Jennifer Walsh, a senior base on Kotelny island, beyond the Artic Circle, on April 3, 2019. Stockholm-based director of the Atlan- Defense Department policy official. tic Council’s Northern Europe program, While Moscow’s current objective said in an interview. "It’s not about immediately strategy that sought to create safe waters for So- may be to bolster its territorial defense in the Arc- putting more surveillance up there, or more troops viet nuclear submarines to stage a nuclear coun- tic, "how far will it go to increase its oversight or and military installations; it’s more about getting a terstrike in the case of an atomic war. control of northern sea routes?" she wondered. joint understanding of how to deal with it and find "We cannot shy away from the fact that the se- The same goes for China, Walsh said. With ways forward, if it’s possible, with the Russians." curity landscape in the Arctic is getting more dif- Beijing’s stated ambitions to be a player in the re- NATO member Norway, which shares a bor- ficult," said Ine Eriksen Soreide, Norway’s foreign gion, its attempts to influence existing Arctic go- der with Russia, has long walked the line between minister. "We don’t see Russia as a direct threat vernance mechanisms should be judged in light of alarm over Russia’s military buildup on the nearby to Norway, but we see more and more signaling its behavior elsewhere. Kola Peninsula, home to Russia’s Northern Fleet, towards NATO and thereby Norway as a NATO But how NATO could realize a planning man- and seeking good neighborly relations on fisheries member." date for the Arctic remains to be seen, according management and coast guard cooperation. With little appetite for the eight-nation Arc - to analysts. The Norwegian military headquarters and tic Council to pick up military and defense to- NATO as an institution has not dealt that the Northern Fleet headquarters near Murmansk pics, that leaves the alliance as the logical forum much with the Arctic, leaving the heavy lifting to have maintained a hotline even after Oslo cut all for crisis prevention and management in the individual countries of the region, said Wieslan- other defense ties following Russia’s annexation High North, according to analysts. The fact that der of the Atlantic Council think tank. of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. the Biden administration has rejoined the "If you have an increased amount of military "We are working on an open dialogue with Agreement to battle climate change has given a activity but you [don’t have a] political forum to Russia," Norwegian Defence Minister Frank boost to the prospect of increased cooperation put these activities into some kind of perspective, Bakke-Jensen said at a March 19 virtual conferen- through NATO. then you have a problem," she told Defense News. ce organized by the Atlantic Council. The idea is The alliance has found itself in something of Regionally focused alliance groups on the Bal- to "lift" whatever successful instruments are still a soul-searching mode for about a year, brood- tic and Black Sea regions, which produced com- in place, he added, namely the joint search-and- ing over a reform process known as NATO 2030. mon threat assessments, could serve as a model, rescue service and the crisis telecommunications In addition, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the analyst argued. channel. wants members to agree on a strategic concept The Baltic Sea focus, in particular, could help But Norwegian officials are getting increasing- that takes into account new challenges connected shift attention to the Arctic, Wieslander said. "It’s ly spooked by Russian long-range missiles, new with Russia and China. one strategic area, and the theaters are really inter- underwater weaponry and naval exercises inch- That period of introspection could open new connected. You could easily expand upward those ing closer to the coastlines of NATO allies. They avenues for anchoring Arctic security topics on discussions." see Moscow returning to a version of the Cold the trans-Atlantic agenda. Information and photo credit: War-era "bastion concept," a kind of area-denial "The strategic concept should highlight that www.defensenews.com

April 2021. No 4. 5 News Germany shelves new anti-missile weapon and turns to drone defense quickening speed in the coming years. Still, the German go- vernment has yet to formal- ly declare TLVS canceled, even though vendor MBDA Deutschland — the local partner of main contractor Lockheed Martin — has begun planning its business posture without it. "At the moment, there is no decision yet about where things are going," a German Defence Ministry spokes- woman told Defense News. "We’ll first have to wait for clarity on the budget." Notably, the proposed Patriot upgrades will not introduce significant new capabilities, including 360-degree coverage in threat interception, accor- ding to the spokeswoman. A Mikado electrically powered four-rotor reconnaissance drone of the German military operates during a military training in Munster, northern Germany, in 2017. German defense leaders in March 2021 proposed to buy new equipment for countering That feature was a major similar drones deployed by adversaries. driver in the push for TLVS because it meant deploy- ments would have a much he German Defence Ministry has and qualitatively and quantitatively insuffi- lower footprint and manning requirement shelved plans for a next-generation cient" Ozelot fleet, according to a ministry than Patriot batteries, which can only fire air defense system, instead investing statement. That project has the potential interceptors in one direction. inT counter-drone technology and upgrades to to spark Europe-wide cooperation, officials The 360-degree requirement remains on the country’s aging Patriot fleet. said, pointing to the Dutch-German Apollo the books, the spokeswoman confirmed The announcement on Tuesday comes af- program, under which both nations have Tuesday. ter months of studying options between the integrated a portion of their air-defense for- Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin officials costly Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem, mations. "intend to discuss with the customer in the or TLVS, aimed at destroying sophisticated Joint acquisitions with other European next weeks how TLVS capabilities can con- missiles and aircraft, and cheaper weapons Union and NATO partners toward a "Euro- tribute to the ’s future design for intercepting enemy drones. pean drone and air-defense" system could of ground-based air defense," a company Ministry officials told lawmakers they be in the offing, the statement added. spokesman wrote in an emailed statement. plan to begin modernizing the Patriot mis- The steps outlined on Tuesday amount to The company’s doggedness may stem sile defense inventory starting in 2023 to a mere proposal for German lawmakers, as from a short mention of "a TLVS" in the keep the system usable through 2030. The there is no money programmed in Germa- Finance Ministry’s latest budget proposal, decision amounts to a win for manufacturer ny’s midterm budget for major air defense dated March 22. That document lists the Raytheon Technologies, which had feared investments. system as part of a collection of programs losing the preeminence of its global cash The odds are diminishing for a more so- involving international obligations about cow over a novel system developed by a ma- phisticated German defense system against which there is governmentwide agreement jor European country. hypersonic missiles, such as those develo- for funding, at least in principle. In a second step, officials in Berlin want to ped by Russia, anytime soon. That is because www.defensenews.com field a new defensive system against short- annual defense budget requirements are set Photo credit: Patrik Stollarz range threats, eventually replacing the "old to exceed government spending plans with

6 Lithuanian Military Digest News

Protecting people from disinformation

ognitive security is old and new. The well as government entities. In short, cognitive only holistic integration of tools, models and concept is old in terms of Sun Tzu’s security is foundational to national security in- datasets, but the translation of cognitive secu- famous saying, "All warfare is based clusive of the public and private sectors. rity needs into problems that can be addressed Con deception," with cognitive security essential The techniques and technologies of cognitive collaboratively by government, industry and to not being deceived. It is new through the ex- security aim to strengthen individuals and popu- academia. ponential expansion of the internet, which has lations against malicious influence, and make Fundamental to the realization of this goal boosted our productivity to incredible heights, malicious influencers ineffective. Cognitive -se is the creation of a cognitive security proving but also has opened avenues for wrongdoers curity does this by way of three core elements. ground, which will mature and validate cogni- to try to influence us and imperil our cognitive First, increase cognitive resilience against tive security techniques and technologies with security at extraordinary scale and speed. Thus, malicious influence, which includes cultivation a rigor seen in other proving grounds and test cognitive security is about providing assurance of critical thinking and media literacy through ranges established to address hard problems like in the form of strong tools and techniques to de- education, as well as development of tools that cyber. The cognitive security proving ground is tect, characterize and thwart malicious influence can provide real-time identification and defense envisioned to be a comprehensive and flexible conveyed via social media and other communi- for people and organizations encountering so- live-virtual-constructive simulated environment cation channels. scalable from the individual to large popu- An infamous online influence campaign lations for research, engineering, test/ conducted by a nation-state is disclosed in evaluation, training, and development of the 2018 indictment of the Russian Internet strategies to defeat malicious influence Research Agency, or IRA, for using fraud campaigns. and deceit to interfere with the U.S. political We want the cognitive security proving and electoral processes. The indictment de- ground to tackle key questions, such as, scribes how the defendants and co-conspir- "How do we protect populations against ators, "created hundreds of social media ac- large-scale mis- and disinformation cam- counts and used them to develop fictitious paigns?" or "How do we measure the effec- personas into ‘leader[s] of public opinion’ in tiveness of cognitive security techniques the United States." In other words, the IRA and technologies?" Addressing ethical, conducted online disinformation opera- legal and societal issues (ELSI) is criti- tions to interfere with or influence U.S. po- cal to development of cognitive security litical and electoral processes, where disin- techniques and technologies, and a cogni- formation is deliberately false information. tive security proving ground will need to For Russia, information operations establish an ELSI panel to help guide the play a critical role in both nonmilitary and broad range of projects seeking to provide military means of influence. The current assurance that one’s thinking is not influ- Russian view is that nonmilitary means, such phisticated influence efforts. These technolo- enced by people with malicious intent commu- as economic, political and diplomatic avenues, gies must operate at the scale and speed of the nicated on- and offline. serve as important ways to achieve strategic ob- internet, for instance, the automated identifica- The protection of the human against mali- jectives, with military means often in support- tion of deepfakes and other manipulated media. cious influence encompasses the public and ing roles. Information operations span both Second, achieve broad cognitive situational private sectors, which means that the deve- nonmilitary and military means, where "infor- awareness, which includes rapid detection and lopment of cognitive security techniques and mation effects distort facts and facilitate the characterization of malicious influence cam- technologies must be conducted in a neutral imposition of an emotional perception on the paigns, and virtual personal assistants that help environment where government, industry, and subject, or target, that is advantageous to the individuals and organizations identify the sour- academia can work together in the holistic in- side delivering the effects" as reported by the ces and goals of deceptive online messaging. tegration of tools, models and datasets to over- noted expert on Russian information warfare, Third, create accurate and robust cognitive come the cognitive security challenges of resi- Timothy Thomas. These information effects are engagement capabilities to counter malicious lience, situational awareness and engagement. seen clearly in the actions described in the IRA influence, such as that sown online by software- Answering this need is a cognitive security indictment. based agents or bots. proving ground for national security. The U.S. government recognizes that mali- In contrast to cybersecurity, which empha- By Brian M. Pierce cious influence operations constitute threats to sizes the protection of devices, computers, net- He is a visiting research scientist at the Univer- cognitive security, and it is organizing capabili- works and other machines, cognitive security sity of Maryland Applied Research Laboratory for ties to address these threats. The private sector focuses on the protection of the human, which Intelligence and Security. He is a former director of has to be part of this effort because malicious requires a socio-technical approach that inte- the Information Innovation Office at the Defense influence campaigns target private individuals grates a number of disciplines including social/ Advanced Research Projects Agency. and institutions, such as social media compa- behavioral sciences, AI, data science and ad- www.defensenews.com nies, the stock market, and listed companies, as vanced computing. This approach involves not Photo credit: Getty Images

April 2021. No 4. 7 In short

Brg. Gen. Antanas Gustaitis — a designer of the Lithuanian military airplanes ANBO

APRIL 12 IS THE WORLD AVIATION AND COSMONAUTICS DAY, SO IT‘S A GOOD REASON TO REMEMBER THE MOST FAMOUS LITHUANIAN AIRPLANES' CONSTRUCTOR. ESTABLISHED IN 1919 DURING THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE, THE MILITARY AVIATION OF LITHUANIA BECAME A MODERN MILITARY FORCE FOR THE FOLLOWING TWENTY YEARS UNTIL THE SOVIET OCCUPATION. ALL THIS TIME SPAN IS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE NAME OF ANTANAS GUSTAITIS. STARTING AS A VOLUNTEER IN THE FLEDGLING LITHUANIAN ARMY, HE SOON BECAME A TALENTED PILOT, DESIGNER OF THE LITHUANIAN AIRPLANES ANBO AND THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF MILITARY AVIATION.

sentenced on July 7 and executed on Octo- ber 16, 1941.

LITHUANIAN MILITARY AIRPLANES ANBO A. Gustaitis biggest achievement was the design of nine different types of airplanes, their testing and organizing of their serial produc- tion. He marked his airplanes with the letters ANBO. Technologically, all his airplanes had a simple construction, high reliability and pos- sessed very good flying qualities. These para- meters were achieved from the first try-without Airplane ANBO-IV was one of the most successful projects of A. Gustaitis. any significant changes, i.e. the prototypes did not differ from the serially built airplanes. GENIU'S LIFE, MARTYR’S DEATH November 23, 1937, he was promoted to the ANBO-I. This was a single-seat low wing ntanas Gustaitis was born on March rank of . monoplane, suitable for pilot training. It was 26, 1898, in a rural village Obelinė, Ja- Several times, in the line of duties, he tested on July 14,1925. The fuselage was made varavas county, Marijampolė district, visited England, , and USSR. of welded steel tubing, fabric covered. Wings ALithuania. He spent the years of the First World In 1941, after the occupation of Lithuania of wooden construction, fabric covered. The War in Jaroslavl (Russia), where he graduated by the Soviet Union and after dissolving its engine was 3-cylinder, 35 HP French "Anzani". from high school, and later studied in the Ins- army, he lectured at the University of Vytau- Max. speed 142 km/hr. titute of Engineering in Petrograd and School tas the Great in Kaunas. Perceiving his im- ANBO-II. This was a parasol type, two-seat of Artillery. minent arrest, on March 4 he attempted to monoplane of mixed construction, designed He joined the Lithuanian army as a volun- cross the Lithuanian-German border, was primarily for the training of pilots. Tested on teer on March 15, 1919. On December 16, arrested and brought to Moscow. He was November 10,1927. The engine was 60 HP 1919, he was graduated from the School of "Walter" NZ. Max. speed 160 km/hr. For se- Military aviation, as a junior Lieutenant. In veral years ANBO-II was use in military avia- 1920, while serving in the 1st Air Squadron, tion. he participated in the battle against the Poles. ANBO-III. This was also a parasol type 1922–1923 he was the Chairman of commis- two-seat monoplane of mixed construction, sion of terminology and was lecturing for the designed for the advanced training of pilots. aviation officers. In 1923 he was assigned as the Tested in August, 1929. The engine was 120 leader of Training squadron. HP "Walter". In 1930-1931 two produc- In 1923–1924 he visited Italy, Czechoslo- tions of four airplanes were built, utilizing vakia and Klaipėda, where he supervised the "Genet Major" and other engines. Max. speed building of airplanes for Lithuania. In 1925– 174km/hr. At the beginning, ANBO-III was 1928 he studied in the Superior School of used for reconnaissance purposes. ANBO-III Aeronautics and Mechanical Constructions was the first serially built airplane of the Lithu- in Paris. After graduation he served as a de- anian construction. puty of Commander-in-Chief of the Military ANBO-IV. This was a two-seater parasol aviation, as the head of aviation workshops type monoplane, designed for reconnaissance and as the chief of Technical Department. On purposes. Also used as a light bomber. The pro- May 9, 1934, he became the Commander-in- totype was tested on July 14, 1932. Construc- Chief of the Lithuanian military aviation. On Antanas Gustaitis tion of the fuselage-riveted aluminum tubing,

8 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

ANBO-I

ANBO-II

A. Gustaitis biggest achievement was the design of nine different types of airplanes, their testing and organizing of their serial production. fabric covered. The prototype utilized 450 HP plane, designed for the advanced training of ANBO-III "Wasp" and 535 HP A.S. "Panther" engines. In pilots and for liaison purposes. ANBO-VI was 1934-1935 two series of this type were built, developed from ANBO-III. it had a wider land- each consisting of seven airplanes. Engines for ing gear and a more powerful 185 HP Curtis serial production were 580 HP Bristol "Pega- "Challenger" R-600 engine. In 1933, four units sus" II L2 and II M2. Max. speed 290 km/hr, of this type were built. ANBO-IV max. ceiling 8 km. Flight distance — 800 km. ANBO-VII. Two-seat sport plane. Its con- Armament: four machine-guns and 144 kg structing by Lithuanian Aero Club in 1935 was bombs. Three of the first series of ANBO-IVL, not finished. under the leadership of A. Gustaitis, in 1934 ANBO-VIII. Two-seat low wing mono- visited many European countries. plane, designed as an attack plane or a light ANBO-41. This is an improved type of bomber. The prototype was tested on Sep- ANBO-IV. The prototype was tested in 1936. tembers, 1939. The engine — 930 HP Bristol ANBO-41 ANBO-41 had a more powerful engine, three- "Pegasus" XVIII with two-stage air compres- bladed propellers and somewhat changed sor. Max. speed 411 km/hr. Armament: four construction of the wings and of their fasten- machine-guns in the wings and one in rear seat ing. In 1937 and 1939 two series of ANBO-41 cabin. It could carry 800 kg of bombs under the were built, a total of 20 units (with the proto- fuselage or four 100 kg bombs under the wings, type). 930 H P Bristol "Pegasus" XI engines The occupation of Lithuania prevented the se- ANBO-V were used. Max. speed — 360 km/hr. Carried rial production of this last type of ANBO. 200 kg bomb load. In the period between 1925 and 1939, a ANBO-V. Two-seat parasol type mono- total of 65 Gustaitis designed airplanes were plane, designed for the primary training of pi- built. Thanks to A. Gustaitis talent and initia- lots. The prototype was tested in 1931, having tive, in the first half of this century Lithuania 85 HP "Walter" engine. At a later date another became one of the countries in Europe who four airplanes of this type were built, utilizing built military airplanes of its own construction. 110 HP Walter "Venus" and 140 HP "Genet In the fourth decade, all Lithuania's primary ANBO-51 Major" engines. trainers, advanced trainers and reconnaissance ANBO-51. This is an improved type of airplanes were built in Kaunas. ANBO-V, having a more powerful 160 HP "Genet Major" IV engine and a strengthened Source: Antanas Gamziukas construction of the wings. In 1936 and 1938, "Antanas Norėjo Būti Ore" 10 units of this type were built. Translated by Edmundas Jasiūnas/ ANBO-VI. Two-seat parasol type mono- Plienosparnai.lt ANBO-VI

ANBO-VIII

Col A. Gustaitis greets the graduates of the Military Aviation School at Kaunas Airport.

April 2021. No 4. 9 In short

Exercise "Crystal Arrow 2021" in Latvia: The best moments

From March 15 to 26, the international mi- litary exercise "Crystal Arrow 2021" took place at the Ādaži landfill. The aim of the training was to improve the co-operation and interope- rability of units in the performance of common tasks, including the simultaneous execution of defense, deterrence and attack operations. About 1,700 soldiers from Albania, the USA, the , Italy, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Poland, Slo- vakia, Slovenia, Spain and Germany took part in the training. The 1st German Battle Company of the NATO eFP BG Lithuania also successfully participated in this international exercise. They are sharing the best moments from training in Latvia. Photo credits: NATO eFP BG PAO

10 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

April 2021. No 4. 11 NATO's presence Lt Col Hebisch: "I think we are doing our job right"

THE 9TH ROTATION OF THE NATO ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLE GROUP e( FP BG) IN LITHUANIA HAS REACHED THE MIDDLE OF ITS MISSION. THE COMMANDER OF THE EFP BG LT COL SEBASTIAN HEBISCH SAYS THAT THE STILL ONGOING PANDEMIC IS THE LARGEST CHALLENGE FOR THE ENTIRE BATTLE GROUP, BUT HIS TROOPS ARE CONTINUING TRAINING IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE OPERATIONAL READINESS.

12 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

You have served in different positions as an officer. How does it feel to be the com- mander of the NATO eFP BG Lithuania? For me — as the current commander — it is the peak of my military career. It is an honor to serve as the commander together with our Lithuanian comrades in a multinational context and it fills me up with pride. I am proud to have the pos- sibility to command a multinational battlegroup and support our Lithuanian hosts and partners in a clear demonstration that we stand united in the face against any possible threat.

How do you feel about being in command of a military formation which is based near the eastern border of NATO, alongside with the aggressive neighbors — Russia (The Kaliningrad Area) and Belorussia? In one word: Proud. Being part of NATO means that we are committed to supporting and protecting each other and this commit- ment is unwavering. We are here near the eastern border of NATO in order to show our willingness to protect our allies and to de- monstrate our readiness to defend. We are the clear signal that freedom, liberty and unity will be protected by all members of the alliance against every possible threat. I thereby confirm: The eFP-battlegroup in Lithuania is ready for duty, continues to serve, and it is strong, together with our Lithuanian brothers in arms, because: We are NATO!

The NATO eFP BG is here for the de- fense and deterrence purposes, but the informational war is already going on in a full scale for years: NATO soldiers in Lithuania often became the targets of the Russian propaganda, informational attacks and fake news. How are you pre- pared to "fight" in this area? We are all very aware that the security envi- ronment our soldiers have to operate in has become increasingly more complex and de- manding. Hybrid methods, like you mention, the information attacks and fake news, are not new and have long been used in attempts to destabilize. What is important for us, is to ensure that we are transparent and that our communication to the public is fact-based. We strive to always back up our words with actions and continue to show that we are ready, willing, and capable to support Lithuania.

According to the latest poll data, made in Lithuania, 75 percent of the respondents uphold that the German-led NATO eFP BG in Lithuania since 2017 helps to de-

April 2021. No 4. 13 NATO's presence

so maybe do you and your troops already feel like at home here in Lithuania? I think for a part of our troops Lithuania has definitely already started to feel like a second home. Many of the soldiers have been here before, and got some very fond memories of the COVID-free days, when they could have visit the beautiful areas in Lithuania and most importantly, enjoy the Lithuanian food! As the commander I have to say that the have welcomed me incredibly warmly, and I enjoy working with them here. I really hope I will have the possibility to see a little more of the country when the COVID regulations will allow it. Otherwise who knows, I might just have to come back another time!

What would you like to change in barracks, if you could? To be honest, nothing. The infrastructure meets our expectations and the standards we are used to back home. Certainly things can al- ways be better, but we are very grateful for the Lithuania's provision of the current facilities for accommodation and supply.

Could you introduce in short the com- position of the 9th rotation and the main armament? In the 2021-I rotation, there are around 1200 service members deployed in LTU. The mis- sion of our Battle Groups remains unchanged. This rotation consists in total of four maneu- ver companies with all the necessary enablers. All companies are combined arms companies. Two of them are using tracked vehicles as ter hostile countries. What do you think to support all of the Lithuanian population. It main combat systems and two companies are about these results? How much is impor- is their opinion which matters, not ours. If our equipped with wheeled vehicles. tant the opinion of the Lithuanian citi- presence and actions can contribute to the feel- zens about your mission here? ing of safety and security for the Lithuanian What does it mean to take a command of These results are of course very important, be- population, I think we are doing our job right. the NATO eFP BG during the Coronavi- cause the opinion of the Lithuanian citizens rus pandemic? What can you say about means a great deal to all of us here at the eFP BG. You are the commander of the 9th rota- the pre-deployment and deployment We are here to support Lithuania, and therefore, tion of the Germany-led NATO eFP BG, phases in this context?

14 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

The still ongoing CORONA pandemic is the gether with the other NATO allies, based test run for our certification exercise "Iron Wolf", largest challenge of the entire Battle Group. in Lithuania? which is the true training highlight of our com- My intent is it to protect the Battle Group and After accomplishing our common pre-deploy- mon time here in Lithuania. Furthermore an en- of course the individual soldier, while continu- ment training last year, the training cycle started tire tank company from my battlegroup becomes ing our training in order to maintain the opera- with the deployment of our Battle Group from part of eFP Battle Group in LATVIA during tional readiness of my Battle Group by imple- our countries with destination Rukla here in FTX CRYSTAL ARROW and IRON SPEAR, a menting appropriate measures, that the risk of Lithuania. The objective has been to form a co- true multinational experience. Moreover, we in- an outbreak of Corona will be minimized and hesive Battle Group. We achieved this objective, tegrated our JTACS into the Lithuanian exercise the combat readiness is ensured. true integration in an incredible short time. After FURIOUS WOLF in February 2021. that, the Battle Group started its intense training Is it a challenge for the NATO eFP BG to schedule without any delay. Starting at platoon Do you have any common training with remain operational in a full scale during level we are going to have our first training high- Lithuanian Armed Forces? the Coronavirus pandemic? How is your light FTX "EAGER LEOPARD" at the beginning Since February 2021 we have been an impor- mission going on? of April, where we train company against com- tant part of the IRON WOLF Brigade. Shoul- Our mission here in Lithuania is clear. We, pany always focusing on defense. This will be the der by shoulder with our multinational com- the multinational eFP BG, together with our rades within the Battle Group and indeed, with Lithuanian partners are a clear demonstration our comrades from IRON WOLF Brigade we of NATO’s solidarity, determination and abili- demonstrate our fighting skills and professio- ty to defend the population and territory of its nalism as soldiers. member states against any possible aggression. Thereby, we are contributing to deterrence and What was your best day in Lithuania? demonstrating that we are ready to defend at Although every day is special, the day of the any given time. official handover of the eFP Battle Group on Hence, the next five months are characterized 10th February remains in the memory. A mov- best by the words: intensive training, informa- ing moment for me, under the eyes of many tion activities, deep cooperation and finally high-ranking Lithuanian visitors, to have been last but not least friendship. transferred the NATO flag and thus the com- mand of the Battle Group. What are the main training events and exercises, which you are going to con- By Ilona Skujaitė duct during your rotation alone and to- Photo credits: NATO eFP BG Lithuania

April 2021. No 4. 15 The discount is applicable only upon presentation of a service National Defence System employees card.Special (soldiers, civil servants and employees Conditions and applicable discounts may change. working under an employment contract) There are additional conditions. * Expositions are free of charge to the Lithuanian Military Academy Soldiers of the Permanent Mandatory (LMA)** cadets, Permanent Mandatory Initial Military Service (PMIMS) Initial Military Service soldiers serving in the LMA, and soldiers from the Gediminas Headquar- ters Battalion (GHB). Coordinate with the regional Conscription and recruiting service de- Members of the Lithuanian partment.*** Riflemen’s Union Due to a match of the football club “Atlantas” coordinate with the Grand Duke**** Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion's S5 division of the Motorized Infantry Bri- Lithuanian soldiers gade “Samogitia”. Due to a match of the basketball club “Neptūnas” coordinate with the National Defence Volunteer Force’s S5 division of the Samogitia district 3rd team. Due to a match of the football club “Sūduva” coordinate with the Lithu- Soldiers of the National Defence Volun- anian Grand Duke Vytenis General Support Logistics Battalion’s S5 division. teer Forces ***** The discount is applicable to persons who serve or have served in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, also to those who are in the prepared personnel NATO soldiers reserve of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (for the entire study period both for the first and second cycle studies). The discount is applicable on February 16, March 11, July 6, and Negotiation issues November****** 23.

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Long and intensive: Italian mission in the Baltic skies IT’S THE THIRD TIME WHEN DETACHMENT IS PERFORMING THE BALTIC AIR POLICING (BAP) MISSION AND THE SECOND TIME IN LITHUANIA: IN 2015 THEY WERE DEPLOYED AT ŠIAULIAI AIR BASE AND IN 2018 IN ESTONIA, AT AMARI AIR BASE.

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COL. DANIELE DONATI: "TRAIN AS mainly from the four Air Defence Wings ope- YOU FIGHT, FIGHT AS YOU TRAIN" rating with Eurofighter aircraft: Theth 4 Wing Col. D. Donati is the commander of the based in Grosseto, the 36th Wing in Gioia del Italian Air Force detachment (Task Force Colle, the 37th Wing in Trapani and the 51st Air) deployed at Šiauliai Air Base and the Wing in Istrana. Logistical and administrative very experienced pilot as well: He has more support staff comes from different entities of than 3000 flight hours on SF260 AM, T37B, the Italian Air Force. T38A, MB-339CD, HAWK, TORNADO F3 The technical & maintenance staff works and EF-2000, on which he served as an ope- alongside the flight crews, they guarantee air- rational conversion instructor. Col. Donati is craft efficiency and, together with the person- serving for the second time in Lithuania and nel assigned to logistical, administrative and agreed to share his impressions. safety tasks, ensure the autonomous function- ing of the detachment. Could you introduce the Italian detach- The deployed personnel works according to ment based here in Šiauliai at the mo- strict COVID-19 prevention measures, to en- ment? What are the main military per- sure the accomplishment of the mission and, sonnel and equipment which you have at the same time, preserve the health of the brought here? personnel. Italy plays since a long time an active in NATO Since last September, about 600 flight hours operations and, among these, one of the most have been flown and about 20 real Alpha important is the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mis- Scrambles have been performed, as well as 70 sion. training missions have been carried out, by 12 With regard to current deployment, Italy as- aircraft and more than 200 people, employed sumed the command of the operation from on a rotational basis from the beginning of the September the 1st, 2020, replacing the Spanish mission. contingent and will complete the mission on It is really an honour for us to serve our count- April the 30th, 2021. ry by contributing in such an active way, safe- Usually such missions take place during a 4 guarding the security of the Alliance's skies. months shift, called blocks, according to a rotation among NATO nations; at the end of What is your home unit in Italy and what the current quarter, Italy will have covered 2 are the main symbols of your patches, blocks, for a total of 8 months. what do they mean? Italy arrived to Lithuania with an autonomous Back in Italy I work in the Air Staff, in my pre- deployment including aircraft, pilots and sup- vious assignment I was a Eurofighter pilot and port teams, such as maintainers and engineers, instructor. On my Flying uniform, I wear the

Col. D. Donati is the commander of the Italian Air Force detachment and the very experienced pilot.

April 2021. No 4. 19 Special

this quarantine period, I have seen numerous changes, especially in the city of Šiauliai. As soon as I took off, in first flight here after few years, I noticed I saw lot of changes in the city area: The city, especially the industrial part has grown a lot, indicating a flourishing environment. As regards Šiauliai Air Base, I saw important developments in infrastructures and I have been informed that further investments are planned too. The hospitality of the has always been outstanding and the collaboration between our countries is very solid. I am sure that the cooperation and friendship between Italy and Lithuania will definitely strengthen and increase in the future.

What is an image of NATO Air Policing mission in Lithuania in the Italian Air Forces? Is it seen as the difficult one? Does your work here differ from your tasks at home? For Italy, participation at Air Policing missions is an important opportunity to contribute ac- tively to NATO operations. Thanks to Atlantic Col Donati: "Since last September, about 600 flight hours have been flown and about 20 real Alpha Alliance, for over 70 years, Europe has enjoyed Scrambles have been performed, as well as 70 training missions have been carried out, by 12 aircraft and more than 200 people." the longest period of peace in modern history. Moreover, Alliance Air Power always repre- Italian Flag, my rank, my nametag and the of- rating procedures utilized during daily train sented an essential element of NATO's defen- ficial patch of this Detachment: An eagle, sym- at home. Hence, the mission is very satisfying sive and deterrent role. bol of pilots and, in the bottom left corner, two from an operational point of view. NATO Air Power delivered and continues to aircraft flying. When I was here for the first time in 2015, I deliver a vital contribution to the Alliance ope- had the opportunity to know a little more rational success and it is a key factor in build- What are the biggest advantages for the Lithuania, in particular Šiauliai, and, without ing trust, solidarity and technical interoperabi- pilots and the other military personnel to any quarantine restriction I had the oppor- lity of allies and partner nations. participate in the mission like this one? tunity to appreciate the generous Lithuanian For pilots, this kind of mission represent the pos- How do you prepare for this mission? hospitality. sibility of putting into practice what they have The advantage for the people participating Since I returned to this beautiful Nation, despite been formed and continuously trained for years. is to acquire experience and best practices to transmit to the next personnel performing similar mission. We practice also different level of training and cooperation with other NATO forces, improving interoperability and stan- dardization all over the Alliance. We apply, back home, the motto: "Train as you fight, fight as you train", so we always simulate real-life situations in our training, include the ones we may face during this mission.

Do you have many pilots or soldiers of the other military professions which serve here in Lithuania not for the first time? Do you see any changes in Lithua- nia as a country and Air Force base? We have several Italian soldiers having already served in Lithuania in 2015. I am one of them. In 2015, I was a younger pilot and for me it was a very highly qualifying experience. Pilots have Italian Eurofighter Typhoon accompanying the U.S. strategic bomber B-1B above Lithuania during the the opportunity to put into practice the ope- common exercise.

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Italy arrived to Lithuania with an autonomous deployment including aircraft, pilots and support teams, such as maintainers and engineers.

Once in the air you realize that you are part of with our Lithuanian friends and all the other As well as the initial deployment, the re- an integrated system and the result of years of Allies around us. deployment is another key phase for the sacrifices and training, which give us the pos- success of the mission; it will be certainly sibility to operate together with different na- What were the main challenges and the complex and needs to be coordinated with tions. best moments for you and all your team , which will hand over the We are aware that we are part of a broader pro- here in Lithuania? What can you say operation’s command by the beginning of cess, of defence and safeguard of citizens. It is about the winter conditions? May 2021. therefore a privilege for us to have the task of One of the main challenges of such a deploy- Today, we can say that one of the most im- ensuring the safety of our principles and ideals. ment is to reproduce, in an air base geographi- portant challenges is represented by COVID. The accomplishment of our mission, however, cally far from our nation, all the main pecu- Surely, the fight against the virus has tested our is possible thanks to the excellent teamwork liarities of a Fighter Squadron and Wing. This skills and the way to operate, but we are show- of men and women who contribute with their is certainly a complex activity but, at the same ing all our flexibility to carry out the military individual skills to carry out our work with time, is one of the capabilities that distinguish- profession. We are taking all necessary mea- professionalism and serenity. We know we can es the Air Force. sures to ensure the mission without compro- count on a team that is like a big family. I can Following the arrival of the Advanced Team, a mising our mandate. only thank all the staff and technicians I ma- small unit must be made full operational in a The emergency is still ongoing, but I can say nage for the precious work they perform every short time, just like a real Fighter Group, with that we are winning this fight against the pan- day away from home. each unit (operational, administrative, logistic demic, because the Italian team has demons- and maintenance). The deployment, during trated to be able to apply the correct proce- Was it an intensive mission for you this first weeks, is very exciting, with fast paces and dures defined to protect the solders while time? Could you tell about your daily very long working days, in order to ensure the continuing to operate. routine here? achievement of weapon system full efficiency. Regarding winter conditions, I can say that This time, due to the pandemic situation, To reach this target, we make national training operating in such a different context is cer- we have many more concerns than a regular carrying out joint activities between different tainly a challenge for our personnel and our non-COVID mission, but we are well pre- units of the Armed Forces. The achievement systems. Lithuanian climate allows us to test pared to face also this invisible challenge. of the Full Operational Capability is a funda- our procedures in a different environment, to We daily prepare ourselves to accomplish the mental milestone, because it consists to reach verify equipment efficiency as well as person- mission, we keep training in the ground and the complete ability to conduct the assigned nel flexibility and adaptability. We are able to in the air, and we improve our cooperation missions. put in place a process of continuous improve-

April 2021. No 4. 21 Special

The Chief of Operation of the Typhoon Group: I was really impressed by the high standard of flight operations and cooperation among the three Baltic States and the NATO Command. Regarding Lithuania, I am impressed by the beautiful landscapes that I have the privilege to see from the aircraft. Being born in a warm city in Italy I am not really used to the rigid winter weather, so I am impressed by local people be- ing able to conduct their daily lives in such an hard condition.

Do you like to participate in the NATO Air Policing mission as a pilot? Why? Is it a big difference where to fly — here, in Italy or in whatever country? Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: All pilots love their job, it could not be any different. To me, Air Policing is the highest expression of flight, since you get to go fly in unexpected moments, you need to be trained and ready to face any situation, and this is a very emotional kind of flight. NATO Air Policing is a very standar- dized activity, we do train for this in the very same way all year long, so that we are ready to perform the job anywhere our presence is required. That being said, every country offers its peculiarities like the very low temperatures of Lithuanian winter or, for instance, the very variable and crazy weather changes in Iceland. Several Italian soldiers and pilots of this rotation have already served in Lithuania in 2015. The Chief of Operation of the Typhoon Group: Baltic Air Policing is one of the most ment, checking our capabilities and taking into JET FIGHTERS’ PILOTS: "WE LOVE known activity where Italian air force assets are account any lesson learned/identified. Our OUR JOB" deployed in order to guarantee the defense of model of operating definitively allows us to face Two Italian Eurofighter Typhoon pilots the NATO alliance countries. As fighter pilot, challenges in an appropriate way, giving great also agreed to share their insights about the I grew up looking pictures and admiring pilots satisfactions. It is one of the characteristic that Baltic Air Policing mission, but we can’t write of all NATO countries that have preceded me distinguish us as military: Working effectively their names for security. in this role and I am really proud to continue in different contexts, always safeguarding the this long tradition. aircraft operability and the health of personnel. When was your first mission here? What I think that operating in such cold weather were your first impressions about the condition is really difficult for all the people Do you have any common training or country and the best moments? working around the jets. Bad weather is a chal- bigger exercise with the other NATO Air Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: My first mission lenge in flight and it is something that you just Forces during your mission here? here was in 2015 during summer. It was Au- cannot fight! If the weather does not allow us We do. As NATO partner, one of our standing gust, landscape looked amazing, I remember to fly, I have to reschedule all the activities to objectives is to maximize the integration and being impressed with the long daylight days provide pilots for QRA shifts. the interoperability with allied forces. We par- and the warm weather. Šiauliai town was love- ticipated at some big exercises like WINTER ly, with lots of clubs and restaurants, but the What is your daily routine here? How of- SHIELD, FURIOUS BUGLE and SILVER best part was meeting with local people, they ten do you have to fly in order to main- ARROW. all were so kind and friendly! tain your readiness? We conducted also joint operations with Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: Believe it or not ground troops of the eFP Battle Group Lithua- What are your impressions about Lithua- our daily routine is not much different from nia based in Rukla and combined air training nia? any other job! We wake up, have breakfast, go with the German Eurofighter detachment in Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: During winter every- to work and come back for dinner. The only Amari and Lithuanian Air Force transport thing looks much different, being freezing cold difference is sometimes we get the 24 hour aircraft L410. According to our chain of com- and snow covered, but I am glad I’ve been able to long shift, so we stay at work for the whole mand, we, as NATO, also promote air coopera- see also this side of your beautiful country. White day, spending the night on duty. It may sound tion with the Swedish and Finland Air Force trees and fields, frozen lakes and snowy days make boring, but that’s when our teams get stronger, over the Baltic Sea. your country look even more gentle and peaceful. since we share a daily routine by discussing,

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staying together and, of course, cooking. Du- get to see everything from the sky almost daily, What is your flying experience? How ring our mission here in Lithuania we are able so we have a way to enjoy the place after all. many flying hours do you have? to fly several times during the week, so we can The Chief of Operation of the Typhoon Group: Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: I started with US stay fit and maintain our readiness. The first Alpha Scramble flight! Fighter pilots training Jets in Texas, where I got my wings The Chief of Operation of the Typhoon Group: and crews train for years and all the experiences a few years ago, then I moved to Eurofighter My job consists in coordinating the flight ac- that they have made take the planes airborne in and I now have over 1000 flying hours on this tivities, both training and operational, in order few minutes. It might seems a really short pe- amazing aircraft. to meet the Thypoon Commander’s intents. I riod of time, but in those minutes there is the am responsible for supervising the currencies effort of an entire team and that flight bounds What is the best thing being a fighter pilot? of all pilots, in order to give to them the best together the people involved. Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: As a fighter pilot training possible to face a real alpha scramble you are constantly challenged and so you are and, when needed, the due rest time. I have a Can you add a few words about your jet forced to get always better and never give up. busy and dynamic schedule, mainly because fighter? Can you name 3 biggest advan- things are not always going as planned because tages of it? What do you like the most in Would you like to return to NATO Air of weather conditions. Routinely I get in con- your job? Police mission in Lithuania again? tact with all the assets of the area to coordinate Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: It is simply an Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: Of course, I’ll be joint or combined operations. amazing jet. Even after a few years flying it, I more than glad to be back in this beautiful am still impressed with its performances eve- country anytime! What were the best moment for you du- ry single day. 3 advantages would be for sure The Chief of Operation of the Typhoon Group: ring this mission? power, agility, and availability of information. I definitely would like to come back to Lithua- Eurofighter Typhoon pilot: Unfortunately The best part of my job is we get to see sun- nia because for the Covid pandemic unfortu- COVID-19 related restrictions are not allow- shine every time, no matter the weather on the nately I had not the chance to visit any city. ing us to go visit the country, and that’s a real ground, we get to travel to new places and we shame because I would love to go back to beau- feel part of a very large community, working all By Ilona Skujaitė tiful Vilnius downtown or having a walk along together with our NATO partners. Photo credits: Italian Task Force Air, the Baltic Sea in . Luckily enough, we Lithuanian Armed Forces

Italian jet fighters’ pilots say, that Eurofighter Typhoon is simply an amazing jet: Even after a few years flying it, they are still impressed with its performances.

April 2021. No 4. 23 Photo credit: NATO eFP BG Lithuania

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