DEFENCE

The Danish-Lithuanian defence co-operation is the concrete result of Danish foreign and defence policy and it is a visible and integrated part of the tasks of the Danish Armed Forces. Denmark’s primary objective with this defence co-operation – both bilaterally, multilaterally and within the NATO alliance - is to contribute to the development of a sufficient Lithuanian self-defence capability and to support Lithuania’s integration into NATO and her desire to actively take part in international operations. 
 
Danish-Lithuanian Defence Co-operation
Denmark has actively co-operated with Lithuania in the field of military defence since 1991 with the purpose of contributing to the development of a sufficient Lithuanian self-defence capability, to support Lithuania’s desire to actively take part in peace support and other operations and support her integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

Denmark has throughout the years been a firm supporter of Lithuanian membership of NATO and continues also in 2007 the support to Lithuania’s integration through the extensive co-operation programme.

The Danish-Lithuanian military co-operation will in 2007 focus on relatively few, but large projects that have a long-term perspective and are embedded in the Lithuanian defence planning. The co-operation is generally covered by these headlines:

• Develop, train and support the establishment of an operational brigade.
• Education and support to the Lithuanian Air Force.
• Medical Service, education and training of military doctors and medical personnel.
• Pre-deployment training prior to participation in international operations.
• Search and Rescue.
• Naval officers’ education at The Royal Danish Naval Academy in Denmark.
• Support to The Lithuanian Navy’s Training Centre and Baltic Naval Junior Staff Officers Course.
• Exchange of students from the military academies.
• High-level visits and consultations.

The Brigade Project
In 2004 Denmark launched "The Brigade Project" in all three Baltic States. The aim of the project is to set up and establish a workable operational brigade in all three countries.

The project will be concentrated in training of and advice to Brigade Commander, Brigade Staff and the Brigade HQ Coy in order to reach full operational capability to meet the requirements, objectives and standards of NATO. The timeframe covers 2004 up to 2014 dependent on the progress of the project.

To support and facilitate this project, the Danish Defence deployed  "The Danish Advisory and Training Staff" (DATS) to Riga on January 1 2005. The staff consist of 7 officers, 1 NCO, 2 Lance Corporals and a secretary. 

Air Policing
Denmark supports the Air Policing mission "Airspace Surveillance" over the three Baltic States. From 1 July to 14 October 2004 Denmark had deployed five F-16 fighter aircrafts, six pilots and approx. 60 aircraft-servicing specialists to the Lithuanian air base Zokniai near the town Siauliai in order to conduct Air Policing over Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

In 2007 Denmark will continue to support this mission by providing advice, education and training on operational and practical aspects of operations from an air base and by establishing cooperation on flight safety matters.

Lithuanian film student Petras Skukauskas has created a video of the Danish Air Policing mission in the spring of 2009. The film can be seen on the homepage of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence by following this link.

Danish Patrol vessels to Lithuania
As a result of the new Danish Defence Agreement 2005-2009 the Danish Navy has decommissioned three patrol vessels of the Flyvefisken-class (STANDARD FLEX 300). The Danish Defence Acquisitions and Logistics Organization have negotiated a contract with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence and the Lithuanian Navy about transfer of two vessels to the Lithuanian Navy. The contract includes an option of a third vessel. The vessels will undergo a shipyard overhaul and has to be equipped with weapon and communication systems as well as new main engines. All upgrading, overhaul and modernization is paid by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence. The first ship is planned to enter the Lithuanian Navy in September 2007.

Standard Flex 300, Flyvefisken

The Defence Attaché’s Office 
The Defence Attaché's Office is responsible for military liaison with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with regards to military bilateral cooperation and defence and national security policy issues. The Defence Attaché reports to the Danish Ministry of Defence, other Danish military authorities and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Lithuania's, Latvia's and Estonia's defence and defence policy.

Defence Attaché: Ulf M. Berthelsen, Royal Danish Navy.
Phone: +370 5264 8768, e-mail: ulfber@um.dk

Assistant: Lene Strauss Bjertrup.
Phone: +370 5264 8789, e-mail: lenbje@um.dk

Links

Danish authorities
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Defence Command Denmark
The Danish Home Guard

Lithuanian authorities
Ministry of National Defence
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

International organisations
NATO
WEU
The Partnership for Peace - NATO
OSCE
UN
EU
Baltic Defence College