12 Patriot launchers, NASAMS, CAESAR howitzers, fighter jets and helicopters - Vilnius becomes Europe's most protected city ahead of NATO summit

For a few days, Vilnius has been transformed into Europe's most secure city. On 11 and 12 July, the Lithuanian capital will host a NATO summit.

Here's What We Know

Vilnius has become a fortress to protect US President Joe Biden and other NATO leaders. The summit will take place 32 kilometres from Lithuania's border with Belarus and 151 kilometres from the border with the Russian federation.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, though spending 2% of gross domestic product on defence, are not enough to defend the region. Sixteen NATO countries have contributed a total of 1,000 troops.

Spain deployed a NASAMS air defence system from Latvia to Lithuania and Germany recently deployed an MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system. Berlin is known to have moved 12 launchers to Vilnius. In addition, anti-drone systems will also provide airspace protection

France had sent to Lithuania 155-mm self-propelled CAESAR howitzers and fighter jets. Finland and Denmark have also shared their planes, and Poland and Germany have sent attack helicopters to the Baltic states.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski will also travel to Vilnius. He will meet NATO leaders in person. Following the summit, Ukraine wants an invitation to join the alliance.

Source: Reuters