Defence Policy

The most important objective of the country's defence policy is to safeguard the vital interests as defined in the National Security Strategy: the sovereignty of the Republic of Lithuania, its territorial integrity and democratic constitutional order; respect for human and civil rights and freedoms; and the peace and prosperity of the state. The safety of NATO and EU countries, and their democratic order and prosperity, are equally important, since Lithuania's security interests have become NATO's and the EU's interests, and vice versa.

Today no state can be secure on its own, as the dangers of international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, natural and industrial disasters, illegal migration and other threats no longer recognise state borders.

The role of the Armed Forces is increasing and changing. Apart from the traditional mission to defend its territory from external aggression, the Armed Forces are prepared to participate in the full spectrum of international operations.
Membership of NATO and the EU has provided Lithuania with an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process on Euro-Atlantic security matters and collective defence. In solving common security issues together with countries of the Alliance, Lithuania forms and implements its defence policy, taking on its obligations.

As in many NATO countries, a transformation is also taking place in the Armed Forces of Lithuania. It is aimed at creating capabilities which would make them ready to take on present and future challenges and threats, as well as future tasks not known today but which have to be fulfilled if the security situation changes.