„Spain’s consistent decisions to contribute to air defence in the Baltic region clearly demonstrate political will and commitment to NATO’s collective defence,“ Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said in a statement.
„Such actions by allies strengthen deterrence, send an unambiguous signal of the Alliance’s unity, and are vital to ensuring the security of Lithuania and the entire eastern flank,“ he added.
The systems are stationed at the Šiauliai Air Base and are operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force’s tactical air force unit Vilkas. A team of nine soldiers is on duty around the clock to monitor the airspace.
The combination of radars, cameras, sensors and electromagnetic warfare equipment in the Crow adds up to a „smart shield“ to protect critical infrastructure, airports and tactical units.
Spain is currently responsible for the 70th NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic States. The Spanish Air Force Detachment with a number of F-18 fighter jets is stationed at the Šiauliai Air Base.