CHIEF of DEFENCE of GERMANY in LITHUANIA from Page 1 Bundeswehr Training Institutions Since 1994

Home , BALTOPS, Captain 1st rank, Eberhard Zorn, Lithuanian Air Force, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Volker Wieker

JULY, 2018. NO 2 (2).

NEWS

COOPERATION OF THE LITHUANIAN ARMED FORCES AND THE PANG MARKS THE LASTING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE US Photo credit: Sgt Spc Ieva Budzeikaitė Ieva credit: Sgt Spc Photo TROOPS OF THE UK-LED JEF DEMONSTRATE UNITY WITH LITHUANIAN COLLEAGUES CHIEF OF DEFENCE OF NATO'S PRESENCE GERMANY IN LITHUANIA

AMERICAN SOLDIER CLAIMS ON JUNE 25 NEW INSPECTOR OF THE BUNDESWEHR GENERAL EBERHARD ZORN IS TO BE SERVING DRIVEN BY CONDUCTING A VISIT IN LITHUANIA. HE SUCCEEDED GENERAL VOLKER WIEKER THE WARRIOR SPIRIT OF THE IN APRIL. DURING THE VISIT THE GUEST MET WITH THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF LITHUANIAN GRAND DUKES OF THE LITHUANIAN ARMED FORCES MAJ GEN VITALIJUS VAIKŠNORAS — GEN ERALS DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY, STATUS OF THE NATO ENHANCED FOR WARD PRESENCE BATTALION BATTLE GROUP IN LITHUANIA AND OTHER TOPICS RELATED TO THE NATO EFP IN LITHUANIA, LITHUANIAN AND GERMAN BILATER AL MILITARY COOPERATION, NATO DEFENCE PLANNING.

ater Gen E.Zorn visited the Lithu- and its command are deployed by Germany. anian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila The NATO eFP Battalion Battle Group is Training Regiment in Rukla and met integrated into the Mechanised Infantry Bri- Lwith Commander of the NATO Enhanced gade of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and ex- SPECIAL Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in ercise together with the Brigade’s soldiers in Lithuania Lt. Col. Wolf Rüdiger Otto, acting its military training programme. PUTIN’S WEAPONS: Commander of the Mechanised Infantry Bri- Germany has made a historically impor- REALITY OR FANTASY? gade Iron Wolf Lt. Col. Aurelijus Motiejūnas, tant contribution to the development of tri- viewed weaponry and equipment of the Bat- lateral Baltic projects (Baltic Peacekeeping talion, and met with German soldiers serving Battalion — BALTBAT, Baltic Naval Squad- with the NATO eFP at the Battalion. ron — BALTRON, Baltic Airspace Surveil- The German-led NATO Enhanced For- lance Network — BALTNET, Baltic Defence ward Presence Battalion Battle Group was -de College — BALTDEFCOL). Advisers from ployed in early 2017 in Lithuania seeking to the Federal Ministry of Defence helped reor- strengthen deterrence and collective defence ganise structures of the Lithuanian Armed in region. Currently roughly 1,400 soldiers Forces according to NATO standards, logis- from Belgium, Croatia, Norway, the Nether- tical system used by NATO militaries was lands, France, Germany, and Iceland are serv- being developed to match Lithuania’s condi- ing in it. Roughly half of the unit’s strength See page 3 Dear readers of the “Lithuanian Military Digest”, Content celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lithuania’s independence, NEWS we, Lithuanians, as well as our country’s guests and allied soldiers can walk peacefully on this beloved land that have not been CHIEF OF DEFENCE OF GERMANY ON A VISIT stepped by any enemies’ feet for 27 years. We can all breathe the IN LITHUANIA...... 1 freedom. However, even while rejoicing the recovering, rising EU MEMBER STATES TO DEVELOP EUROPEAN CYBER and modernizing country, we are still in a fight every day. Every RESPONSE FORCE PROPOSED BY LITHUANIA...... 3 citizen of the Western world is being disturbed by the information warfare, every sober-minded person knows that he lives in the COOPERATION OF THE LITHUANIAN ARMED shadow of the threat of an enemy who wants to bring the world FORCES AND THE PANG MARKS THE LASTING back to the times of the past. Since he took power for the first time PARTNERSHIP WITH THE US...... 4 in 2000, Vladimir Putin — who once called the fall of the Soviet Union “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century” — TROOPS OF THE UK-LED JEF DEMONSTRATE UNITY has aimed to restore Russia’s power on the world stage. WITH LITHUANIAN COLLEAGUES...... 6 Probably all of us recall when on March 1, V.Putin spoke at the LITHUANIA INVITES NATO TO SPEED UP THE Federal Assembly about “completely new and, of course, having DECISION REGARDING THE HEADQUARTERS NEAR no analogues strategic weapons”. At that time, seeking to prove EASTERN BORDERS OF THE ALLIANCE...... 7 to the Russian people that he remains fit to lead after nearly 20 years in power, the president orated about the armament which THE LARGEST LITHUANIAN SPECIAL FORCES will defeat the world. This pre-election speech, which received a EXERCISE IN THE BALTIC REGION CONCLUDED...... 8 lot of discussions in the media and social networks, reminded that LITHUANIA AND POLAND AGREED TO FURTHER Russia has always felt strong and prosperous by fighting and sepa- STRENGTHEN MILITARY COOPERATION...... 10 rating from the Western world. Creating a Russian propaganda machine to his people, V.Putin seems to be drawing a dreamed AIR ASSAULT OF F-16 USING LIVE world of fantasies, where everybody who supports this leader’s re- AMMUNITION WAS CONDUCTED AT THE gime can feel invincible and happy, having the magical weapons, EXERCISE "SABER STRIKE"...... 11 such as, for example, the “global unlimited range cruise missile” besides them. NATO'S PRESENCE What is the likely option if Putin suddenly would decide to push a so-called nuclear suitcase button, so “the West actually AMERICAN SOLDIER CLAIMS TO BE SERVING DRIVEN hears him”? If the US begins to increase its defensive potential, BY THE WARRIOR SPIRIT OF THE LITHUANIAN can Moscow hope that it will win this competition? GRAND DUKES...... 12

Wish you a pleasant reading, SPECIAL Team of the “Lithuanian Military Digest” PUTIN’S WEAPONS: REALITY OR FANTASY?...... 18

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2 Lithuanian Military Digest News

EU member states to develop European cyber response force proposed by Lithuania f a major cyber incident strikes as soon as in the coming years, it would be responded to by an international cyber response force.I A Declaration of Intent signed on development of the Lithuanian-initiated EU Cyber Response Force at a session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg today has laid a foundation for that. “EU countries have not had the opportunity to address cyber incidents together so far, and in the meanwhile, the attacks are not limited Union European credits: Photo by country borders. Lithuania has taken up the According to the data of the National Cy- Next step — joint continual exercises and pros- role of leadership in proposing first a practical ber Security Centre under the Ministry of Na- pects for the creation of mutual cyber defence solution in strengthening collective defence in tional Defence, the number of cyber incidents tools. cyber space and countering threats in a new is growing annually by one tenth, while cyber The EU cyber defence cooperation project dimension,” Minister of National Defence Rai- investigations reveal their growing sophisti- is led by Lithuania. Seven EU countries — Cro- mundas Karoblis says. cation. Both, Lithuania and other parties of atia, Estonia, France, Finland, the Netherlands, According to Minister, the Declaration of the EU cyber response force projects are con- Romania, and Spain, are participants of the Intent was the first and vital step in the effort cerned about the incidents found in critical in- project, and four more countries — Belgium, towards a closer cooperation of member states frastructures, such as energy, law enforcement, Germany, Greece, and Slovenia, are observers. in the implementation of the project: the docu- and foreign affairs. Such incidents need to be The number of EU members willing to join has ment served as a basis for the legal act that would responded to particularly quickly and a new been increasing rapidly since the launch — the follow and consolidate the commitment. type of preparedness and instruments are re- most recent country to join was Estonia, and Lithuania started an initiative to create the quired. Poland plans to do so in the nearest while. EU Cyber Response Teams that would be As the project is developed, during the first The initiative on cyber response force and formed by specialists from cyber incident in- phase the participating countries are assess- mutual assistance in cyber security launched vestigation and other security institutions of ing technical and legal aspects for operation by Lithuania is one of the 17 project approved the participating countries and rotate on a bi- of such EU cyber teams, analyse the possibili- by EU member states in late 2017 under the annual basis. ties to finance the project from the EU budget. Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). “In reality it would look like this: each par- “This is the most advanced PESCO project ticipant would need to have a standing cyber since its launching point and participants are security unit which could join the neutrali- showing the real solidarity in collective de- sation and investigation in virtual or even in fence,” Deputy Secretary General of the EU physical reality in the event of a significant cy- External Action Service Pedro Serrano said ber incident,” Minister R. Karoblis says. welcoming the signature. The first of the EU cyber response teams is The Permanent Structured Cooperation planned to take part in the cyber security exer- (PESCO) is an instrument laid out in the Trea- cise in Lithuania this autumn. ty of Lisbon, for deepening the cooperation in The Declaration of Intent was signed by security and defence area for those EU mem- Lithuania, Estonia, Croatia, the Netherlands, ber states that have military capabilities meet- Romania and Spain, while four more countries ing higher criteria and are bound by greater will sign by the end of the year. commitments.

CHIEF OF DEFENCE OF GERMANY IN LITHUANIA From page 1 Bundeswehr training institutions since 1994. propelled howitzers projects. In August 2016 tions. The Army Officers’ Academy (OSH) Various military equipment was obtained Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and in Dresden made a significant input into pro- from Germany’s surplus stocks, also Lithu- the Bundeswehr signed a contract on procure- duction of syllabus for the Captains Course at ania implemented one of its most significant ment of 88 Boxer armoured personnel carriers the Military Academy of Lithuania. Over 300 weaponry procurements from the German which is the largest acquisition in the history of Lithuanian soldiers graduated from various Armed Forces — acquisition of 155 mm self- the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

July 2018. No 2. 3 News

Cooperation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the PANG stands out as an excellent example of our lasting partnership with the US began with the national anthems of the Re- public of Lithuania and the United States of America sung by Lithuanian performer Jovita Suzanovičienė. Lithuanian and American soldiers fell in a solemn formation and received the Parachutist Badge (or “Jump Wings”) from both countries’ armed forces to mark their preparedness and ability in air assault jump. According to PANG member Juozas Nau- jokaitis who was born and raised in the United States when his dad Gediminas emigrated from Lithuania before World War II, it was an honour to wear Lithuanian “Jump Wings” on an American uniform. “It is exciting and a privi- lege to have the opportunity to visit and training Lithuania, and not only to me but to my entire family,” J.Naujokaitis emphasised. After the formal part in the centre of Vilnius the public was entertained by bands of the Li- thuanian, the US Armed Forces, and the Ho- Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis (MoD) Alfredas Pliadis credits: Photo nour Guard Company of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas Headquarters Battalion. he 25 years of cooperation be- the US PANG on June 10 at Lukiškės Square. The public could also see a static display of tween the Lithuanian Armed Chief of Defence of Lithuania Gen. Lt. Jo- NATO, Lithuanian military equipment and Forces and the Pennsylvania nas Vytautas Žukas said that over 500 various weaponry, and talk to both allied and Lithu- “TArmy National Guard (PANG) stands out as military cooperation events had taken place to anian soldiers. an excellent example of our lasting partnership date under partnership between the Lithuanian The formal event in Lukiškės Square was at- with the US: we are grateful for both, sharing armed Forces and the Pennsylvania National tended by Commander of the Lithuanian Land with us experience and expertise, and con- Guard. “Our partnership has been tested before Force Brig. Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys, Deputy tributing to the development of our military and it is seasoned in different military exercises Commander US Army Europe Maj. Gen. John infrastructure,” Minister of National Defence in the Baltic region and the US, as well as in the Gronski, Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania Raimundas Karoblis said at the ceremony cel- multinational operation in Afghanistan,” Gen. Brig. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Lithuanian Mem- ebrating the 25th anniversary of cooperation Lt. J.V.Žukas said. bers of Parliament, representatives of the US between the Lithuanian Armed Forces and The celebration on Sunday afternoon Embassy, and other guests.

4 Lithuanian Military Digest News

Exercise "BaltOps 2018" concluded in the Baltic Sea

PANG soldiers deployed in Lithuania on June 4 to take part in international exercise "Sa- ber Strike 2018" at General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area (Švenčionys distr.). In the meanwhile a platoon from the National Defence Vol- unteer Force is at the same time deployed to the US and training urban warfare at Fort Indian- town Gap Training Centre and range in Penn- www.navylive.dodlive.mil, PO1 Audrius Vitkauskas, credits: Photo www.shipspotting.com sylvania until June 16. It is an annual initiative of the Lithuanian n June 15 military exercise "BaltOps cational institutions, various sport organisations Armed Forces and PANG cooperation: during 2018" in the Baltic Sea concluded and private business to offer a programme of di- the "Saber Strike" training event in our region after running since kicking off in verse cultural and sport activities to the guests. PANG soldiers deploy to train in Lithuania, OKlaipėda on June 1. Having completed last ac- The allies were visiting schools in Klaipėda, took and a platoon of Lithuanian soldiers deploy to tive actions at sea the participating warships guided tours, visited museums in Klaipėda free of train in the US. headed back to the port of Kiel in Germany. charge, were entertained by the Lithuanian Navy The Lithuanian Armed Forces and the This year exercise "BaltOps 2018" involved Band and rocks bands, and eventually started the PANG have been in cooperation under the 43 warships and other naval units and over 60 active phase of "BaltOps 2018" at sea on June 4 State Partnership Program for 25 years now. aircraft from 16 NATO (including Lithuania) full of nice impressions and in good spirits. Over the quarter of decade numerous joint and neutral partner countries (Sweden and The active phase began on June 4 in the events have been held, starting with experience Finland). The total of over 5 000 soldiers have territorial waters of Lithuania on Nemirseta exchange at training, workshops and meetings, trained in the exercise. The exercise began with beach with a marine landing operation. Over celebrating many memorial dates, and training a Pre-Sail Conference in Klaipėda and mainly 200 Romanian and US soldiers landed on the in exercise, to joint participation in the multina- concentrated in the southern sector of the Bal- Lithuanian coast in amphibious vehicles from tional operation in Afghanistan in 2009-2012. tic Sea — territorial waters and exclusive eco- USS Mount Whitney and ORP Krakow war- PANG soldiers regularly train in military nomic zones of Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, ship. Such a demo operation by NATO forces exercises in the Baltic States and Lithuania and Sweden. took place on the Lithuanian coast once be- soldiers — in exercises, instructors’ “Train- The exercise was based on a fictional sce- fore: in June 2011 NATO landing force — US the-trainer” programs and other events in nario simulating a conflict between two fic- marines and Lithuanian Army Iron Wolf Bri- Pennsylvania. tional states. The training audience trained in gade troops — carried out such an operation two groups, one was rendering assistance and for the first time in history in Nemirseta as defending the attacked fictional state, the other well. one was the hostile force. The exercise trained This largest NATO exercise in the Baltic Sea ship manoeuvres in formations, ship escort, held on June 4-15 this year was organised by naval gunnery, anti-aircraft and anti-terrorist the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO defence, mine hunt and sweep, submarine war- (STRIKFORNATO) and was commanded fare, landing procedures, and other. from aboard USS Mount Whitney by Com- This was the first time Lithuania helped -or mande of the U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Admiral Lisa ganising the Pre-Sail Conference in Klaipėda Franchetti. The exercise objectives were to -ex during the initial exercise phase on June 1-4, pand the scope of complex operations among for which reason 33 warships and flagship the NATO and Northern European partici- of the exercise USS Mount Whitney visited pants, improve and expand cooperation and Klaipėda Seaport for the period. interoperability among the participating mili- On the first weekend of June more than taries, and take forward the level of expertise of 3 000 foreign naval personnel visited Klaipėda. the participating navies. The Lithuanian Navy had collaborated with city The Lithuanian Navy has been training in councils of Klaipėda and Palanga, museums, edu- "BaltOps" with its assets since 1993.

July 2018. No 2. 5 News Photo credits: Private Recruit Šaltmerytė Rūta Private credits: Photo Troops of the UK-led JEF demonstrate unity with Lithuanian colleagues

e have come to Lithuania the Lithuanian Army troops. The company in- am a reconnaissance specialist and my task is to show we stand together cludes over 100 light infantry personnel and is to warn the company about possible actions of in solidarity with Lithu- strengthened by mortar, anti-tank and recon- the enemy. We will be acting within several ki- “Wania and the Lithuanian Armed Forces. While naissance units. Such a composition allows lometres around our units when the operation we are here, we can learn many things from the company to be able to complete diverse begins,” Private Kasey told. each other,” Commander of the 2nd Battalion tasks. The British company has been deployed in Royal Welsh, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, “It is very exciting to train here, in Lithu- Lithuania as part of the UK-led Joint Expedi- Colonel Lieutenant Mark Davis said. He came ania, where the conformation and natural con- tionary Force (JEF). It is a great opportunity to Lithuania for the exercise "Thunder Storm ditions are different from those in the United for British troops to familiarise with Lithuania 2018" to see one of the companies in the bat- Kingdom (UK). We find big temperature fluc- and colleagues. “It is really useful to our sol- talion under his command integrate into the tuation here, hot days and cool nights. The task diers,” Commander of the 2nd Battalion Royal training event. of our company in the upcoming operation is Welsh, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, Colonel Commander expressed his delight the exer- to harass the enemy, then we will withdraw to Lieutenant Mark Davis asserted. cise provided excellent conditions for Brit- defensive positions,” deputy company com- The JEF is a highly ready pool of force ele- ish troops to train together with Lithuanian mander Lieutenant Leon Debnath said. ments for a wide spectrum of operations: from troops, as well as allied troops also training in The British company joined the battle group, humanitarian assistance to conventional deter- exercise "Thunder Storm 2018". formed majorly by the Lithuanian Grand Duke rence, and combat operations worldwide. Up The UK company is assigned to the Lithua- Kęstutis Motorised Infantry Battalion, by con- to 10 thousand soldiers of Denmark, Estonia, nian Armed Forces battle group in the exercise ducting a tactical foot march from the Lithu- UK, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Nor- and receives direct orders from the battle group anian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila Training way, Finland, and Sweden can be mobilised to commander. “This deployment also gives us a Regiment. On June 9 the Brits moved from the the JEF. In 2018 Lithuania contributes a com- good opportunity to practise our logistical Regiment compound and marched more than pany-sized unit operating in composition of procedures. Making it to a specific destination 10 kilometres to the assembly area of the battle the Danish Battle Group, and a military medic within short notice is the key element of the group. to the UK field hospital. Also, one Lithuanian operation,” Lt. Col. M.Davis said. “The march was not easy — sandy and com- officer has been serving at the operational The British company deployed in Lithu- plicated terrain and full gear, so it gave us good headquarters of the JEF at Northwood, UK, ania last week and joined the training with experience. It has taken us roughly 8 hours. I since 2016.

6 Lithuanian Military Digest News

Lithuania invites NATO to speed up the decision regarding the headquarters near eastern borders of the Alliance Photo credits: courtesy of NATO int. of NATO courtesy credits: Photo

he Alliance has achieved quite rope in the event of a crisis or conflict, as well for the purpose of collective defence. a lot on stronger deterrence as will enable the forces to respond immediate- Welcoming the agreement on new head- and defence since the Warsaw ly without delay,” R.Karoblis said. According quarters, R. Karoblis invited Ministers to “TSummit but we have to make sure the launched to him, those were the decisions particularly also take the final decision on another army security initiatives are continued and their important to Lithuania and the entire region headquarters near Alliance’s eastern border implementation is accelerated,” Minister of of eastern Alliance. “Our geographical posi- quicker — its presence would ensure better National Defence Raimundas Karoblis said at tion makes us the most sensitive to threats and efficiency of the NATO collective defence in the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brus- interested in smooth and quick deployment of the Baltic States and Poland. NATO Defence sels on June 7. He stressed that the speed of allied forces.” Ministers are expected to have agreed on the decision-making is one of the key conditions of One of the new headquarters will be estab- concrete location of the headquarters by the efficient collective defence and therefore urged lished in Norfolk, USA, for ensuring sea route end of the year. Ministers to apply every solutions that would safety and possibility to send enforcement Minister also underscored once more the enable NATO forces to respond immediately from North America to Europe. Another head- necessity to strengthen air defence in the re- in case of a crisis or conflict. quarters will be based in Ulm, Germany, for gion. NATO Defence Ministers also agreed on logistic and military mobility and for ensuring The NATO Defence Ministers session also the establishment of new headquarters in the smooth movement of army forces in Europe addressed defence spending. In the discussion US and Europe and agreed over an equal burden sharing the to the 4x30 increased NATO need to fulfil commitments was un- readiness initiative commit- derscored as well as the fact that the ting to have 30 mechanized majority of countries are increas- battalions, 30 air squadrons, ing defence spending. Lithuania is and 30 combat vessels ready among the 8 allies that allocate 2 % to respond to crises within 30 of GDP or more for defence needs. by 2020. The forces would sup- “Proper financing is not only meet- port the present NATO Re- ing an important commitment — it sponse Force. is a way to remove defence deficien- “The adapted NATO com- cies, improve deterrence and readi- mand structure and the deci- ness of NATO forces,” Minister says. sion to increase force readi- The decisions taken at the ness will ensure a quick and NATO Defence Ministers meeting smooth deployment of troops will be fully approved at the NATO over the Atlantic and in Eu- Summit on July 11-12.

July 2018. No 2. 7 News

The largest Lithuanian Special Forces exercise "Flaming Sword 2018" in the Baltic region concluded

n May 21 — June 7 international special operations forces exercise "Flaming Sword 2018" was held in OLithuania in order to practise implementation of defence plans and to strengthen interoperability among Lithuanian and partners’ special forces in ensuring security of the Baltic region. This year the exercise involved roughly 1 000 NATO and partner countries’ Special Opera- tions Forces personnel from 13 countries, soldiers with the Lithuanian Land Force, Navy, and the Lithuanian Air Force, officials with agencies of the Ministry of the Interior, specialists and representatives of the Lithuanian Rifle- men’s Union and other organisations. "Flam- ing Sword 2018" was running in a number of realms – territorial land, waters and air, and cyber space. Armed Forces Lithuanian credits: Photo This year exercise "Flaming Sword" was ful aircraft, as well as to assess the impact the character, complexity and dynamic of the mod- not only connected with the US Special Op- types of their combat ammunition can have on ern military conflict, the majority of exercise erations Command Europe Exercise "Trojan ground targets. operations took place in urban territories, thus Footprint 2018" but also with the largest na- Aside from the Lithuanian Land Force, Air the support and cooperation of city and district tional exercise of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Force and the Lithuanian Navy, the largest authorities were vital in drawing the exercise "Thunder Storm 2018". According to the ex- Special Operations Forces exercise in the Bal- scenario closer to the complex environment of ercise scenario, fictional events escalated from tic region also involved representatives of the present-day conflict. a local incident with hybrid warfare traits to a Logistics Command, Military Police, Training The unique and the opportunity to share large-scope armed conflict. The exercise fea- and Doctrine Command, Second Investigation experience and skills during exercise "Flaming tured a complex variety of state and regional Department, cadets of the Military Academy Sword 2018" has strengthened interoperability armed defence operations. of Lithuania, soldiers from Denmark, Estonia, of all participating institutions and to improve One of the "Flaming Sword 2018" and "Tro- US, Canada, Latvia, Poland, the Netherlands, efficiency of joint operations in ensuring a jan Footprint 2018" elements was training of Norway, Portugal, Sakartvelo, Sweden, and timely and critical response to an enemy’s ag- Lithuanian and allied joint tactical air control Ukraine, representatives from the NATO Spe- gression from the country and the Baltic re- parties in Kazlų Rūda Training Area — pres- cial Operations Headquarters (NSHQ), and gion. The key task of Lithuanian and NATO al- ence of US aircraft (AC-130 fire support air- the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in lies’ and partners’ special forces in the context craft, B-1B Lancer strategic bomber, and F-16 Vilnius. Lithuania’s State Security Department, of national and regional defence is to neutralise fighter jets) and ammunition made training VIP Protection Department, Lithuanian Police asymmetric threats , harass enemy capabilities, conditions more realistic. The visit by the most and its “Aras” Anti-terrorist Operations Unit, conduct resistance activities, and to support advanced fire support aircraft to Lithuania -al State Border Guard Service, first medical aid conventional forces in countering hybrid ag- lowed special forces troops to train acting to- service, Lithuania’s riflemen, and city councils gression against sovereignty and security of the gether and controlling the particularly power- also contributed to the exercise. On the basis of country and the region.

8 Lithuanian Military Digest News

The International Football Championship in Pabrade hile the world is looking forward to the start of the 21st World Football Championship in Rus- Wsia, on June 10, international football championship took place in Pabrade town, Lithuania (Svencionys district). On June 1–15, the national exercise “Thun- der Storm 2018” of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the exercise “Saber Strike 2018” organized by the US Land Force command post in Europe took place in Lithuania. During these intensive exercises soldiers in the General Silvestras Žukauskas training area were given a short break on June 10th. Pabrade town is located next to the General Silvestras Žukauskas training area. The local population has long been not surprised by the Vladas credits: Šarėjus Photo constant presence of troops — it seems they talion, two teams of the Mechanized Infantry winner’s cup over the heads went to the French have blended into the life of Pabrade’s com- Brigade “Iron Wolf” (King Mindaugas Hus- team. The second place went to the Dutch munity. Therefore, in order to strengthen the sars and Vaidotas Mechanized Infantry battal- “5th” team, and the third and fourth places re- cooperation and the bond with each other, ions) defended the honour of the Lithuanian spectively went to the Dutch “3rd” and “Vaid- Pabrade’s subdistrict with the sport center of Military. The inhabitants of local districts were otenai” of Vaidotas MIB teams. Svencionys district and the association “Dub- represented by the following teams: Pabrade Since the ancient times, sports events have ingele” organized a joint football championship subdistrict, “Mesininkai” (en. Butchers) and been the best mean of improving the bond with to win the Pabrade elder’s cup. “Nelygis” containing families from Pabrade, each other and trust. In the antiquity during A similar championship during the break of “Svencioneliai”, “Pailgis”, and the “Girls” from the Olympics, the truce used to be announced, international exercise was also organized last Svencioneliai. and during the World War I in 1914, a legend- year, and the winner was the team of Mindau- The teams were divided into three sub- ary football match between warring British and gas Hussars Battalion of the Mechanized Infan- groups with five teams in each. After 4 matches German soldiers took place during Christmas. try Brigade “Iron Wolf”. within each subgroup, the French, Vaidoto In this way, it has been proven that sport has This year’s football competition has become MIB, 3rd and 5th Dutch teams made it to the neither the language nor the national affiliation the largest in Pabrade’s history, with as many final. or the barriers of cultural traditions, but is an as 120 athletes from 15 teams taking part in the However, there can be only one winner. Af- indispensable mean of working more closely championship: foreigners were represented by ter the intensive fights, which demanded a lot with each other. seven teams (6 Dutch and one French) from of emotions not only from the players but also the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence bat- from the supporters, the honour to hold the By Cpt. Pavelas Lukjanovas

July 2018. No 2. 9 News

Chiefs of Defence of Lithuania and Poland agreed to further strengthen military cooperation Photo credits: Piotr Ziętka and Sławomir Ratyński Ziętka Armed Piotr Forces) Sławomir and credits: (Polish Photo

e have agreed that it is very impor- oured fallen Polish soldiers by laying a flower LITPOLUKRBRIG with Ukraine. There is tant, concerning not only allies tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier also continuously ongoing cooperation among but also neighbours, to strength- Memorial in Jozef Pilsudski Square in Warsaw. headquarters of various levels, military educa- Wen military cooperation and interaction in the Lithuania and Poland have been cooperat- tion institutions, and military units. The coun- present security situation,” Chief of Defence of ing actively since 1993. The countries cooper- tries also cooperate in military procurement. Lithuania Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas ate by deploying soldiers to NATO operations Poland also has deployed seven rotation of the Žukas stressed after a formal meeting with his and international exercises in each other’s ter- NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states Polish counterpart General Leszek Surawski at ritories, developing a joint trilateral Brigade so far. the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces in Warsaw on June 21. Gen. Lt. J.V.Žukas also met with Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces Lieutenant General Sławomir Wojciechowski and representatives from departments of the General Staff. The meetings addressed regional security, bilateral and multilateral military cooperation. Other topics of conversation were the implementation of the NATO deterrence measures in the region, development of the trilateral Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian brigade, pro- vision of security in the region, deployments to multinational operations and joint military exercises, especially concerning defence of the Suwalki Corridor. Lithuanian and Polish Chiefs of Defence recognised mutual practical benefit and agreed to further develop cooperation between the Lithuanian Armed Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" and the 15th Mechanised Brigade of the Polish Armed Forces based in Giżycko. During the visit Gen. Lt. J.V.Žukas hon-

10 Lithuanian Military Digest News

First ever air assault of F-16 using live ammunition was conducted at the exercise "Saber Strike" Photo credits: Private Recruit Erika Čebatorienė and Capt Donatas Suchockis Donatas Capt and Recruit Erika Private Čebatorienė credits: Photo

minently dangerous and fast US F-16 lery Battalion, said about the exceptionality of quickly and carry particularly powerful weap- Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft were the exercise. The operation was coordinated onry. It was very interesting and complicated to flying Lithuanian skies and destroying by a large ground-based air control party of 6 coordinate the response of integrated flights of Eground targets during exercise “Saber Strike“ Artillery Battalion troops, Special Operations two types of aircraft,” Capt. A.Bivainis said. “F- that concluded in June. It was the first training Forces Troops, and a US air attack control 16 pilots are also qualified to carry out forward of such kind conducted in Lithuania. specialist. The size of the party is unusual for air attack control which means we can share US and Lithuanian soldiers were train- such operations, it was the Lithuanian Armed and distribute responsibilities with pilots and ing air control procedures, live firing, and Forces taking the rare opportunity to train ground air controllers. We have tried out dif- dropped MK-82 unguided bombs weigh- high-level specialists capable to plan, call and ferent versions of coordination and we are very ing 500 pounds on stationary targets for the control air support — therefore the number happy about the achieved results,” member of first time at Brigadier General Kazys Veverskis of training air controllers was as big as pos- the air control party said. Training Area. sible. Close air support was rendered by four air- “Only inert bombs, without the combat The close air support exercise was con- craft (two F-16 and two L-39). Targets were charge, have been dropped until certifying ducted not only in the US Air Force fighter destroyed, coordination, target indications, the firing range early this year finally allowing jets but also in L-39 aircraft of the Lithuanian and other air attack procedures were trained us to take part in exercises and coordinate air Air Force. “We are used to working with air in turns. Four MK-82 bombs were dropped assaults with live bombs, all of which is a new assault aircraft used in our military — partici- on ground-based targets. Aircraft took off from and very valuable experience to us,” Capt. Da- pation of the F-16s takes it to the other level. Amari Air Base in Estonia and the Lithuanian lius Dulkė, Gen. Romualdas Giedraitis Artil- These fighter aircraft are very fast, respond very Air Force Base in Šiauliai.

July 2018. No 2. 11 NATO's presence Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis (MoD) Alfredas Pliadis credits: Photo American soldier claims to be serving driven by the warrior spirit of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes IN JUNE THE LITHUANIAN AND AMERICAN SOLDIERS MARKED THE 25 YEARS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE LITHUANIAN ARMED FORCES AND THE PENNSYLVANIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (PANG). AMONG THE ARRIVED US SOLDIERS WHO PARTICIPATED AT THE CEREMONY IN THE LUKISKES SQUARE ON 10TH OF JUNE THERE WAS ALSO A PANG MEMBER OF LITHUANIAN DESCENT, JUOZAS F. NAUJOKAITIS. THE SON OF A LITHUANIAN IMMIGRANT, WHO SERVED 30 YEARS IN THE US ARMY, IS PROUD TO BE WEARING A UNIFORM WITH BOTH LITHUANIAN AND AMERICAN FLAG PATCHES. THE SOLDIER CLAIMS THAT DURING HIS SERVICE HE AIMS TO CHANNEL THE WARRIOR SPIRIT OF THE LITHUANIAN GRAND DUKES.

– Could you share your experiences of actually have a little tear hearing both anthems – How often do you come to Lithuania? this ceremony in the Lukiskes square? and standing there with Lithuanian soldiers. Actually it is my second time here. The last It was a pleasure to be here and an honor to time I visited this country was in 2010, so it has commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the – Do you consider yourself more Ameri- been a while. I would like to come over more partnership between the PANG and the Lithu- can or Lithuanian? often, but sometimes I am too busy with my anian Armed Forces. Especially giving the fact I probably got to say that I am very connected work or it is just too expensive. That is why I that my tėtis (en. father) is originally Lithu- to both being American and Lithuanian. I am am lucky the army is paying for my stay here, anian, he was born in Ukmerge in 1940 so just very proud to be a Lithuanian American first so that is a great experience. to even hear both Lithuanian and American generation of my father side, son of the immi- national anthems was an incredible experi- grant. I am so proud of my heritage and cul- – You have mentioned a strong bond with ence. I do not want to sound corny, but I did ture, therefore I embrace both aspects. Lithuanian culture, so are you involved

12 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO'S presence

in any Lithuanian community activity in have a statue of Lenin and you would see So- the US? Well, it is an enjoyable viet soldiers and tanks but now everything has Yes. Even since I was a younger boy, me and my experience. I like to think changed. It is so happy to see how people are family were very active in a lot of local Lithu- when I serve I am actually enjoying their freedom, liberty, and rights — it anian-American communities in Philadelphia is so awe-inspiring. or Washington D.C. I remember even going to trying to channel the warrior a Saturday school which was hosted by a local spirits of Dukes Gediminas – In terms of freedom, you probably Lithuanian-American community. People go and Vytautas who fought the know that 2018 is very important to there to learn about the culture, language, the Lithuania, because we are celebrating the heritage, and even the folk dancing. So even titanic knights. Moreover, when 100 years of independence. Moreover, though I have not folk danced in 20 years, the I get back to my unit I put my recently the remains of Lithuania’s one exposure to my father’s culture early on in my body armour on and stick the of the most famous forest brother Adol- life still stays with me today. fas Ramanauskas-Vanagas were finally Lithuanian flag patch on and found. How important is it to you? – What are your experiences so far while showcase my proud, culture and That is very important because I remember visiting Lithuania? heritage. studying the partisans when I was in high I got to say I experience a lot of pride and joy. school, more over 10 years ago. I remember It is a very beautiful country. I definitely like going to a Lithuanian cultural event outside the beer and all that, but one thing that I really to some of my colleagues I try to put things Baltimore, Maryland and that is where I first love to see is how freedom, liberty, and inde- in perspective, especially historical wise: I became aware of the Lithuanian partisans. Be- pendence have been really well adapted over tell them how about 30 years ago none of this fore then I never knew they had armed resis- here. Just walking around Vilnius and talking would ever exist. This square probably would tance against the Soviets, and after that I just

July 2018. No 2. 13 NATO's presence Photo credits: Giedrė Maksimovicz Giedrė credits: Photo

kept on doing Google search and even buying people were prepared to give their lives down Vytautas who fought the titanic knights. More- some books. Actually a long time ago I bought for freedom, which here we are right now, en- over, when I get back to my unit I put my body the memoirs of Juozas Lukša-Daumantas on joying liberty. armour on and stick the Lithuanian flag patch Amazon; I know it is kind of a rough trans- on and showcase my proud, culture, and heri- lation to English, but nevertheless it is fasci- – How does it feel to be half Lithuanian tage. Also further on from that, it is very proud nating to read about such Lithuanians. Even but serve in the US Army? to see Lithuania being accepted to NATO. It though those people may not have had a mili- Well, it is an enjoyable experience. I like to makes me happy to know that America and tary background or never thought they would think when I serve I am actually trying to chan- Lithuania have a great partnership. Ever since pick up a gun and shoot somebody in anger, a nel the warrior spirits of Dukes Gediminas and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan started, Lith- lot of them did that to help preserve just the uanians and Americans have been fighting side basic ideologies of freedom and to live free by side together in combat. It brings me joy outside repression and tyranny. It is some- Serving in the army is not knowing that Lithuanians and Americans are thing I wish a lot of Americans and others in as easy as some would like serving, fighting, and willing to preserve free- the West would know because every time I dom together. tell American people that I am of Lithuanian to think. Some people, descent, they say “So that means you are a especially in America, tend – Could you tell how did you end up in communist or Russian”. I get really offended to think that only those who the army? by that, which I think any Lithuanian should. Both of my parents were in the army. A couple Therefore, I want people to understand that could not go to college joined year after my father became an American citi- Lithuanians are fighters. I mean heck, right the army, but that is not true at zen, in 1963, he decided to join the US Army there is a KGB museum where I went the all. I think that serving in the and served for about 30 years, he retired in other day with some of my colleagues, and 1993. My mom served the same amount from just going into the basements, prison cells, ex- Armed Forces — especially all- 1975 until 2005. So I was brought in the army ecution chambers, was kind of emotional for volunteer ones like the US and family and therefore it was kind of like a tradi- me. You had so many Lithuanians there and a lot of the other NATO allies' tion to carry on. all they wanted to do was to help their fellow I love serving in the American Armed Forces countrymen and women to live in freedom armies — is like a calling, and a because to me it is not only about serving my and here they were just tortured and killed. true desire to do it. country, but it is also about serving human- So it is very sad, but at the same time those ity overall. We, and Lithuanian soldiers too,

14 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

have to prepare and defend what we hold the In any professional organization, especially in truth — freedom, liberty, independence. I After the Crimean military one, there will be room for improve- guess it is just a calling for me to serve, espe- invasion I asked some ment. I would just say that there might need cially after the terrorist attacks on September to be more training exercises with Lithuanians. 11th. That was a great motivator because my Lithuanians what do they Also, in my personal opinion, the Lithuanian mom was assigned by the Pentagon that day feel about Vladimir Putin saying Armed Forces need to adapt to some more and she was almost killed when American Air- you could have tanks in Vilnius technologies to potentially deter Russian lines flight 77 crashed right through her sec- threats. I know that the monetization with tion but miraculously she survived. Thus ever in 5 days. They said they are Lithuanian Armed Forces have been very slow, since I was a younger boy I just had an urge to ready to go to a war and fight. even though it quite radically picked up af- join the army. I do not want this to happen, ter the Crimean invasion. I wish that the US, allied-NATO or even non-NATO-allied gov- – What results did the partnership with but at the same time it is kind ernments would try to sell some more steady Lithuania produced? of awe-inspiring to hear such weaponry to Lithuania. I know it is not going The results are very outstanding I think. The motivation, love, patriotism, to be a lot but it would give that modern edge entire National Guard is composed of 54 on the battle field, which could possibly deter states and territories of the Unites States and that people are ready to fight Russian aggression. every single one of them has a partnership and die for their homeland and with a different country, so such program is everything they believe in. – Do you see the same motivation in civil extremely vital. It helps foster a great relation- people like you do in Lithuanian sol- ship between these countries, also allows to diers? professionally develop and grow its armed Yes. At the hotel where I am staying here in Vil- forces, so they can be ready to fight at any mo- – What in your view do Lithuanian sol- nius I have been able to talk with young Lithu- ment. I know that after the fall of the Soviet diers learn from the American soldiers, anians that work there. They are patriotic, empire it was very important to have Ameri- and vise versa? love Lithuania, and enjoy their independence. can soldiers positioned in Lithuania and I have been serving as an infantryman in the There I also met an older lady from Berlin, who other former Soviet block countries because US Army for almost 12 years now. I have been remembers the Cold War quite well and could of the possible threat of the Russians trying to Iraq, Latvia, Australia, now Lithuania and tell we are American soldiers just from our to comeback in and reclaim the land. I know a lot of other places and I got to say that one haircuts, accents and the way we were dressed. back then the Lithuanian Military was very of the most professional soldiers I have ever She said “Thank you very much for protecting infant: soldiers did not carry modern rifles worked with are Lithuanians. I think they are us, we need you”, so that was very awesome to like they do nowadays, did not have tanks and extremely motivated, ready to fight and be hear. stuff like that. It was very important to at least taught, very attentive, professional, and friend- get soldiers over here that had experience, to ly so it is a pleasure to work with them. I am – What could you tell about public’s sup- present that knowledge, and teach it onward saying that not because I am half Lithuanian, port in terms of the relationship between to the Lithuanians. but as a professional. military and civilian people? Well I definitely got to say in America I really – How has the State Partnership Program – What do you think makes Lithuanian appreciate the support that a lot of the civil- (SPP) changed over the 25 years? soldiers more motivated than others — ians give to the army. However, serving in the It has definitely changed. Right now after is it because of the Russian aggression? army is not as easy as some would like to think. about 15 years of the wars in Iraq and Af- I think it might be because of the recent histo- Some people, especially in America, tend to ghanistan a lot of soldiers that are in PANG ry of Lithuania — I believe a lot of those who think that only those who could not go to col- have a wealth of tactical expertise, knowledge joined the Lithuanian Armed Forces are ex- lege joined the army, but that is not true at all. and professionalism, which they are able to tremely motivated to ensure those things nev- I think that serving in the Armed Forces — present to Lithuanian soldiers. I participated er happen again. After the Crimean invasion especially all-volunteer ones like the US and in the operation “Saber Strike 2010”, which I had befriended with some Lithuanians on a lot of the other NATO allies’ armies — is took place in Adazi, Latvia. A month after Facebook that I served with in 2010 and asked like a calling, and a true desire to do it. When these exercise, the Lithuanian National De- what do they feel about Vladimir Putin saying America had a conscription — you can look fence Volunteer Forces unit was going to Af- you could have tanks in Vilnius in 5 days. They this up in history — professionalism and the ghanistan, and about a year before that, my said they are ready to go to a war and fight. I do morale of the military was quite low, because unit came back from Iraq so we still had a lot not want this to happen, but at the same time a lot of people were forced into serving. I was of knowledge of surviving combat. We gave it is kind of awe-inspiring to hear such moti- actually largely drawn to the Vietnam War area them a lot of the actual way of doing things, vation, love, patriotism, that people are ready while the majority did not want to go to there, therefore for me it was very awesome to hear to fight and die for their homeland and every- therefore professionalism suffered. But when in 2011 that all Lithuanians had a very suc- thing they believe in. the US Army transformed into an all-volunteer cessful mission, all of them came back alive in force in 1973 they introduced a lot of prerequi- one piece. I think that was largely contributed – Could you share your insights on what sites, such as education and physical prepared- to the outstanding SPP that Pennsylvania and might be needed to improve in the Lithu- ness. Lithuania has. anian Military? By Kotryna Gurevičiūtė

July 2018. No 2. 15 The discount is applicable only upon presentation of a service National Defence System employees card. (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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Putin’s Weapons: Reality or Fantasy?

“RUSSIAN ARMAMENT DOES NOT HAVE ANY ANALOGUES” — THIS NARRATIVE HAS LONG BEEN THE KREMLIN’S PROPAGANDA CARD, TO WHICH NO ONE IS SERIOUSLY REACTING. HOWEVER, WHEN ON MARCH 1 VLADIMIR PUTIN SPOKE AT THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY ABOUT “COMPLETELY NEW (OF COURSE HAVING NO ANALOGUES) STRATEGIC WEAPONS”, HIS SPEECH RECEIVED A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS IN THE MEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKS. WHAT ARE THOSE WEAPONS? MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT DID THE RUSSIAN LEADER WANT TO SAY, WHO, UNTIL HIS APPEARANCE, HAD BEEN UNEXPECTEDLY MISSING FROM PUBLIC LIFE FOR ALMOST A MONTH?

t is symptomatic that the armament only adapted this idea to the current trends and But first, let’s analyse the “super weapons” theme in V.Putin’s speech took consider- illustrated with contemporary examples. An- presented on March 1. able part. Each politician must justify the other, somewhat newer allusion that can be as- expectationsI of the audience — whether the sociated with his speech is the soviet so-called BALLISTIC MISSILE. WHAT DOES public’s hopes are reasonable, or just a fantasy. period of mature socialism. More precisely — IT CHANGE? In this case, the power associated with military the period from the reform of Nikita Khrush- Finally, Russia has a shift to the old missile force is one of the best themes for statistical chev, when a number of futuristic armament R-36M2 Voevoda (in the West more common- Russian’s ear, practically the option without projects began, until the very culmination the ly known as the SS-18 Satan). It is a strategic losing. Russia has always felt strong and pros- of arms race, the balance of which was de- missile complex Sarmat (NATO classification perous by fighting and separating from the stroyed by Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defence SS-X-30) with a new ballistic intercontinental Western world. As a result, she is always ready Initiative, more commonly known as the “Star missile weighing 200 tons. Its specifications in- to sacrifice other areas — both culture and so- Wars program”. clude: a short phase of active flight (this detail cial policy, making them merely the maids of As before, as it is now it is being attempted will be discussed later), a larger flight distance chauvinism and militarism. to report to the internal audience and abroad and more combat blocks than Voevoda’s missile Let us recall the phrase of Alexander III: that the bipolar world exists, and this claim is complex, a greater number of warheads with “Russia has only two allies — the army and reinforced by power arguments — listing alleg- better protection in overcoming the missile de- the navy”. V.Putin basically said the same thing, edly existing examples of munitions. fence barriers.

18 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

What is the likely option if Putin suddenly would decide to push a so-called nuclear suitcase button, so “the West actually hears him”? The long-range detection system of the United States (US) would take about 30-60 seconds to track the missile’s start. It would be followed by a missile launch to the Russian side. The nuclear apocalypse would be just a several minutes away. Theoretically it is possible, that due to some circumstances, both sides would be able to stop the rockets attack in time — this would require the activation of their self-liquidation system, but the time for the whole procedure would be extremely low. After tracking the missile’s start, its flight would be followed by other anti-missile defence systems, whose sensors are located on the land, in the sea and the cosmic space. The followed missiles would be attempted to destroy. The ballistic missile’s flight can be divided into three phases: the launch phase (from the start moment until the the rocket engine runs), the middle phase (when the missile flies in the NATO antimissile defence consisting of several echelons is capable of capturing, tracking and destroying ballistic trajectory after the engine has stopped ballistic missiles. However, the massive launch of nuclear missiles would cause a counter-attack, and operating) and the final or terminal phase, Moscow has to know it. when the level of the carrier missile returns to the atmosphere again and the nuclear warheads immediately indicated by a characteristic flash time is very short — it does not exceed three are detached from it. and hot gas flow, which is captured by early de- minutes. If the missile is launched from the The US Missile Defense Agency during its tection sensors. Therefore it is easier to target depths of hostile territory, it is impossible to existence period has developed a number of and shoot down a starting missile. take advantage of the early destruction, and it programs and technical solutions, which allows In addition, at its initial velocity and with is unlikely that the US would try to use this op- to track, follow and destroy missiles during all rocket fuel storages, the missile is more vulner- portunity. three phases of its flight. able (especially by using a high-power combat Thus, the short Sarmat active phase virtually In the launch phase, the start of a missile is laser systems, such as airborne YAL-1), but this loses its meaning.

The engine of SLAM missile with nuclear reactor during bench test. The project was not implemented due to the unsolvable problem of radiation pollution.

July 2018. No 2. 19 Special

“kuzjkinu matj” (it is impossible to translate this Russian idiom to Lithuanian or English language). The only difference is that V.Putin does that with the face of a poker player and does not bang with a shoe on the tribune.

BUREVESTNIK Another magical weapon is the “global unlimited range cruise missile”. Here the reporter still slightly broke the rules and compared this product with existing analogues — the Russian air-launched cruise missile X-101 Raduga and the more famous US sea-based Tomahawk. The uniqueness of the new missile is that it, according to the stated version, is powered by nuclear energy. How can this statement be taken from a technical point of view? Combat missile is a flying device powered According to the intelligence data, "Burevestnik" prototype was tested twice in the New Earth. Both starts were unsuccessful. by a jet stream. In this case, it is being created not by a solid or liquid fuel engine, but a nuclear power station. The idea itself is not innova- tive, it appeared already at the beginning of the During the second phase, missiles can be HERA missile, which was imitating the target). atomic era, when a new powerful source of en- shot down by the Ground-Based Midcourse Therefore, the question of how much the ergy was causing a great enthusiasm among the Defense anti-missiles. new missile of Sarmat complex replaces the ex- constructors. A missile with a nuclear reactor Their formed anti-missile dome includes a isting balance of power is highly debatable. And seemed like a much promising viable project. large area, which is being supplemented by a the point is not how much the new missile is Its operating principle seemed simple: close to naval base anti-missile system (for example Ae- better than the current ones (especially know- one another uranium elements generate a huge gis Ballistic Missile Defence System). ing that the Russian missiles industry has been amount of heat, capable to heat the air, which Destruction of a hostile missile or its war- failing for some time) or what is their quantity. gets into the combustion chamber. From there heads during a terminal phase requires high The essence of a nuclear weapon is not its use, the heated air flow is being pushed through the precision and little time (no more than half a but the very fact that it exists. engine’s nozzle, this way creating a jet traction. minute). The defence stretch here is very small, If the potential threat of a strategic nuclear In 1957, the US Air Force, together with there is very little time to make a decision. And arsenal is already real, there is no chance to the Atomic Energy Commission, started the even if the warhead is destroyed in the atmo- survive for any side — the Mutual Assured project “Pluton”, which aimed to develop and sphere, in the case of its detonation it is likely Destruction (MAD) is guaranteed. It was un- test this type of flying devices. One of the best that the surrounding area will be contaminated derstood more than half a century ago. In this modifications of the project was the prototype with dangerous substances. However, it is the case, V.Putin is similar to N.Khrushchev, who SLAM of the missile with nuclear power sta- last chance which should be ensured by the threatened the capitalists from the tribune with tion. It was predicted that its engine Tory-II A/ MIM-104 Patriot or Advanced Air Defence anti-missiles and Terminal High Altitude Area Defence air defence system. Partly, already mentioned AEGIS is appropriate for that. The launched intercontinental ballistic missile in theory should overcome at least two or three defence stretches. The accuracy of GMD system at this point is 53% (until 2017, out of 19 trials 10 were successful). AEGIS is more advanced — until 2017, out of 41 hits 34 were successful, thus the accuracy is 83%. Having in mind only those missiles launches, which were completed from ships and are technically a bit more difficult than using the ground-based AEGIS. The accuracy ofTHAAD system is even better — practically all attempts at shooting down were successful (of the 17 there were 3 cases The super-torpedo T-15 with a nuclear charge, which was built more than half a century ago, was so massive that it was necessary to design a submarine with a special launch device. when the test was cancelled due to failure of the

20 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

Tory-II C would contain about 60 kg of urani- missile’s silhouette itself. The missile would um and its power would reach 600 megawatts. not be able to rise immediately with the only The reserve of the missile itself had to allow help of the reactor, so the starting engine is also it to fly at least 182 thousand kilometres, i.e. needed. a launch missile could fly around the Earth a It is completely unclear how such a missile minimum of 4.5 times slightly lower than the will reach supersonic speed (X-101 reaches at speed of sound. No strategic bomber ever had most 270 m/sec.), the most important is how such flight reserve. it could match the higher speed with the prom- However, the project had many disadvan- ised manoeuvrability. tages. The air flow passing through the reac- The “unlimited flight distance” also looks tor would become radioactive, and the atmo- strange then. As the distance increases, the sphere polluting trail would continue behind time the missile stays in the air extends as well, the missile. And if a missile falls down due to which means that there is an increasing num- Pearls of chauvinistic propaganda. Instead of the a malfunction or being shot down, this might ber of chances of being knocked down. new Russian missile that would scare America, somehow the creator of the meme added the US lead to an ecological catastrophe. And even though there are many such con- missile X-51A Waverider. No basic solutions were found to eliminate troversial details, one thing remains clear: if the threat posed by “flying Chernobyl.” There- such a missile will be launched, the “flying fore, in 1964 the project was terminated. Chernobyl” problem will not be solved. tor E.Zenger began to take a keen interest in re- Rocket engines with nuclear power stations By the way, intelligence sources are talking active liquid fuel engines. The experiments were also had been developed by the Soviets. How- about the two test starts of a similar missile, successful and Zenger began to develop a per- ever, none of them reached the final phase and that was committed in the New Earth, a poly- spective, completely new type of aircraft proj- was not put into practice. gon near Nenoks settlement. Both of them ect, giving it the conditional name Silbervogel. What has changed, that now with the new were unsuccessful. It was supposed to be a streamlined rocket with an original flight path, pushed out into the orbit by an auxiliary rocket engine. The constructor predicted that, while floating in a vacuum, after some time it will hit into a denser layer of atmosphere and, by bouncing from it, will be able to continue the flight. So its motion should have been similar to a sinusoid with an evenly fad- ing amplitude. According to theoretical calcula- tions, the maximum “Bird” speed could reach 6000–7000 m/sec. However, although it was interesting for representatives of Luftwaffe, the project was terminated due to lack of funds. Another, which Avangard can be linked, is the later Soviet Meteorite project. In 1979, the USSR Council of Ministers took a decision to Before Putin's speech on the TV show, the information about the uderwater project Status-6 "accidentally" create a new type strategic purposed supersonic showed up. The "autonomous underwater vehicle" seems to be more demonstrative than real. cruise missile with a flight range of about 5,000 km. In addition, three versions of this weapon missile suddenly everything has become good? had to be developed: ground, submarine and This is just a rhetorical question. ...AND A COUPLE MORE MISSILES air-based (NATO classification:SS-N-24, SSC- What if we compare this magical weapon The report also mentioned that a missile X-5, AS-X-19). It was planned to integrate sev- with the X-101 (or its modificationX-102 that complex Avangard was started to be produced eral perspective masking systems into the mis- can carry a thermonuclear warhead), which, in a serial way. Its other former titles — RS-26, sile. The first more conventional option was the logically thinking, should be replaced by the Rubezh. Basically, this is another development block of radio electronic interference. Another new missile? phase of the RS-24 Jars project — a mobile idea was to “spray” a flying missile with ionized The X-101 is the most modern Russian ground-based missile complex with an inter- air: in constructors’ opinion, this would help to cruise missile, which construction is complete- continental missile that carries new controlled reduce its detection by radar means. ly similar to the US air-launched cruise missile combat blocks. The video projection demon- The third security system — an imitative AGM-86, and the front part coincides with the strated an animation featuring a stream-line target that used to shot by a detected missile AGM-129. Its length is 7.45 meters, the maxi- form triangular combat block that is manoeu- and dragged at about 100 meters’ distance. mum weight reaches 2.4 tons, and the combat vring between domes of anti-missile defence Complex production and testing lasted ten part weighs 400 kg (the X-102 warhead’s power systems. In addition, it can move forward the years. Then the project was closed due to its can reach 250-450 kt). target being covered up by a heated plasma at a complexity, price and changed political situa- In order to place a nuclear reactor in the speed of 20 Machs. It looks very futuristic. tion. body of cruise missile, it needs not only to Now about the analogies. Some observers notice these similarities make it more massive, but also to change the In 1931, an Austrian scientist and construc- and say that Avangard is not a new thing, but

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a continuation of the former projects. Others powered by water vapour. The enemy’s ports boat or even the torpedo itself would likely be question the reality of this fact for technical had to become the target of the attack in a dis- detected by the coasts guards. Secondly, most reasons. How long can fly a warhead which is tance of several hundred kilometres. <...> The of the US sea bases hide in the bays, they are heated at a temperature of more than 1,500 rear admiral Fomin was one of the first who I covered by islands, shoals, and artificial barriers degrees, so that its functional nodes are not discussed this idea with. He was shocked by the that cannot be overcome or overtaken by linear damaged? How will it be able to perform sharp “monstrous character of the project” and during torpedo. Another possible behind-the-scenes manoeuvres, exceeding the speed of sound 20 the conversation he emphasized that navy sailors circumstance, which caused the negative assess- times? Is the anti-missile network really so rare are used to fighting with an equivalent opponent ment of the soldiers is that the design work of as it is depicted in a demo animated video? in an open battle, and that the idea of such mass the torpedoes was operated secretly from the murder is disgusting for him. I felt ashamed and naval officers, and the initiator of the project, WHAT IS UNDER WATER? decided not to talk about it anymore...”. V.Alferov, was particularly disliked by the admi- The fable of the message itself requires the However, the idea was picked up by a smart ralty. Anyway, the project was closed. maritime segment. If flying weapons are men- functionary, Captain 1st Rank V.Alferov. The So the nuclear torpedo is far from new and tioned, why the floating ones also should not project became less ambitious, but started to original. This is only the idea of the Cold War be mentioned? Thus, in his report V.Putin goes develop potentially. beginning. to the fact that small, autonomous, pilotless, From a distance of a few dozen kilometers, Generally, unmanned autonomous subma-

Expectations and reality. The picture shows the "Peresvet" combat laser complex, which has allegedly been adopted to the armoury. Meanwhile, the TV reportage shows... the construction of sewer and chimney pipes.

rine military devices are being developed relatively long ago. Similar prototypes exist even in China and India, which traditionally are not are and submarine machines are already created a submarine should shoot a torpedo (which is naval countries, and in the autumn of the last (nuclear-based torpedoes) and it can remain actually smaller than A.Sakharov dreamed of, year, the US has already formed the first squad- under water for an unlimited time, hide in large with an electric engine), which would be tar- ron of such unmanned submarine devices. depths (up to 1,000 metres) and its targets can geted at the important objects on the coastline. However, the logical question arises: why does be objects both on the coast and at sea. The The combat part of torpedo would have a ther- not this concept become dominant and does code name of this weapon is Status-6 (accord- monuclear charge and its power would reach not exclude traditional submarines? Appar- ing to the NATO classification — Canyon). about 50 megatons. ently, there is some obstacle, which is essential: In essence, this is nothing new in the con- Very secretly a research institute No. 400 secure radio connection is not possible under text of both the old and the new Cold War. started the design of a torpedo T-15 with a water. This is precisely why the “autonomy” of Even when carriers of the nuclear weapon length of about 23 metres, and a diameter of the device is so emphasized. But what does this (both ground and sea-based missiles) were 1.5 meters. A special submarine was needed mean in terms of a strategic torpedo? Let’s say not sufficiently developed, strange and rather to transport this monster (project 627). At it is programmed to destroy the intended tar- eccentric ideas used to born in the construc- the end of 1953, technical documentation was get, the coordinates are entered into the mem- tors’ minds. One of them is to attack US coast’s prepared, it was only necessary to consider and ory of the control block. Torpedo is activated strategic objects with gigantic torpedoes. Such approve it. From then, the project began to fall and starts to perform the task. But its speed is an idea was first born in the head of academic behind. far lower than, say, cruise missile’s. It will take a Andrei Sakharov. In his memoirs he writes: Party functionaries liked this product’s po- relatively long time to get to the target. I decided that a big torpedo which would be tential, but they did not understand anything In essence, ships drop out from the target launched from a submarine could carry a charge. about its technical capabilities. Therefore, dur- list due to this reason. Only the coastal infra- I thought that for such a torpedo it is possible ing the hearing, representatives of the naval structure remains. to create an atomic jet engine, which would be forces made some critical remarks. Firstly, the What will happen if any circumstances

22 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

change during that time? Probably, the use spectrum of a similar device is quite limited by various circumstances. The most realistic concept of its use is the very initial phase of the war, perhaps a precaution- ary nuclear attack, which is confirmed in the new Russian military doctrine.

“SHOW MUST GO ON” Several examples of new weapons were presented at the federal assembly, which we will not discuss in detail. For example, the Kinzhal air-based missile or the Peresvet combat laser complex, which, according to sources, has already reached the military units. However, nothing more is reported about these examples, giving reasons for secrecy. The technical poverty of these reports paid critics’ attention. What was supposed to be the presentation of new weapons was more like a show with animations on a big screen, and The declaration of the new miraculous weapons is an expression of desperation, an attempt to gather an broadcasted messages were intended to sup- audience and show at least its notional advantage to the West. portive, neutral and hostile audiences. If this is a public relations campaign, then why go into age about powerful combat lasers, which have weapons and animated graphics, as the weapons technical details? no analogues, slipped through the eyes of the strike Florida and US coastal cities. Apparently, political technologists, who many, and the video showed a construction... In fact, this is an old classical strategy of the prepared this report for the Kremlin’s leader, from a couple pipes of sewerage and chimney. power for audience: even while feeling weak, appealed to the reporter’s rank, which prevents When US President R.Reagan announced the tribal leader dances ritual war dance, hop- the audience from thinking about the present- about his billion-dollar worth “Star Wars”, it ing that all members of the tribe will feel stron- ed facts analysis. Also an additional interactive was, probably, a far-reaching, strategically rea- ger and the enemy will become more fearful. element of the show was introduced — it was soned false. But the opposition believed this Moreover, as the Russian journalist Julia reported that several examples of presented and ruined the economy of the USSR. Con- Latynina notes, such a version is good for the munitions had no names yet, and citizens of vincing was not the R.Reagan’s acting talent, internal audience: it makes Russian citizens the Russian Federation were offered to choose but the fact that the US could actually do it. believe that their life is bad not because the au- them. People are pleased with the given atten- The current case seems like the antipode of the thorities steal, take bribes, build mansions, but tion — their opinion is taken into account! (It “Star Wars”: V.Putin, by the way, is a good ac- because all that time super-weapons have been is strange — many Russians do not like the tor, especially in bluffing, but Russia’s economy manufactured. And the heart of the statistical democratic values, but here they are cheering and production are in such condition that any voter fills with pride. “But where were those su- on the idea of “playing democracy”). “It’s a attempt to produce the high-tech products will per-weapons at Deir ez-Zoro”, continuing her great initiative,” joyfully said Ivan Konovalov, bring more harm than benefit. thought rhetorically asks the journalist. Director of the Center for Strategic Conjunc- Here an attention should be paid to the There is another opinion, which appeals tures. — 7.5 million who voted have made it circumstances of how and when this report more to the elite side. The supporters of this clear that the people are with their armed forc- was read. It was the first public appearance of opinion believe that V.Putin is an adventurer, es, which is currently being reformed, reorga- V.Putin after he was missing from the public but not a suicide and his chosen method is an nized, and fighting terrorism!” space for almost a month. And his unexpected attempt to agree with the US authority between Criticism reduced. “Runet’s” social net- disappearance surprisingly coincided with the the lines: I will say that I have the super-weap- works were just exploding because of the num- events in Syria, when the “Wagner” group, ons, you will pretend that you have believed it, ber of messages filled with excitement over consisting of several hundred Russian hybrid you will be able to continue to absorb the appro- their country and its power. troops, was smashed near Deir ez-Zor. priations for defence, only, at least, show virtu- Sober questions were left out. The collective It may be that this event turned into an inter- ally everyone that Russia is still a super-country! mind stopped paying attention even to the ob- nal breakthrough for Kremlin: before speaking What will happen if the US does not under- vious facts that practically all “new” weaponry in the name of a super-country, invading Geor- stand and accept this? The spokesman of the examples are the ideas and incomplete projects gia, annexing Crimea, carrying out information US Department of State described the threat as which were developed during the Cold War. aggression, even attempting to interfere in the “cheap video” (and she was right, since animated Also, that the futuristic examples, presented presidential elections in the US, the kleptocratic graphic turned out to be from 2007). If the US as already functional, saying the least, are not regime received a clear signal — enough. But begins to increase its defensive potential, can entirely compatible with the current Russian even though Russia understands the situation, Moscow hope that it will win this competition? technological level. Even the most terrible it cannot stop. Russia demonstrates its disability discrepancies, such as the television report- by compensating it with at least supposed super- By Gustavas Štrimas

July 2018. No 2. 23 Photo credit: Sgt Spc Ieva Budzeikaitė Ieva credit: Sgt Spc Photo

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