Around EUR 300 mln to be invested in Lithuanian Air Force Air Base by 2030

VILNIUS - Around 300 million euros are set to be invested in the infrastructure of the Air Base of the Lithuanian Air Force in Siauliai, North Lithuania, by 2030, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

According to the ministry, special attention is being paid to the development and improvement of military infrastructure in view of the growing national needs and those of NATO allies whereas the Air Force Air Base located in Siauliai is a strategic site where allies have been training and conducting the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States since 2004.

"In the Siauliai Region alone, we are currently working on nearly 30 infrastructure projects that will serve not only Lithuania, but also NATO for decades to come. Therefore, it is very important to maintain high quality standards both for ourselves and our business partners. We have the opportunity to create an airport of great importance for NATO, so we must develop it rationally and invest accordingly," a press release from the ministry quoted Deputy Defense Minister Orijana Masale as saying.

According to the ministry, the air base has recently opened renovated aprons for cargo aircraft and fighter jets, and two more important infrastructure projects will be completed in the coming months: a new aircraft engine testing apron and a reconstructed taxiway.

The construction of a fire safety hangar with administrative premises and a passenger and cargo terminal, which is important for NATO's logistical capabilities, are also scheduled for completion this year. A training building will be built next year.

The air base infrastructure projects are financed both from the state budget and from the NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP).

A complete rehabilitation of runways and taxiways, development of new infrastructure and upgrade of existing facilities are planned by 2030.

According to the ministry, this would ensure appropriate service conditions for both the Lithuanian Armed Forces and NATO allied forces and facilitate the conduct of operations throughout the Baltic Sea region.

Future plans include the expansion of administrative, accommodation and warehousing facilities, the construction of additional ground transport garages and aircraft repair hangars, the complete renewal of the internal road network, and implementation of other infrastructure projects.