„According to available estimates, the annual economic impact on Lithuania of a rotational mission involving 200 NATO troops amounts to around EUR 24.6 million. The infrastructure development at the Lithuanian Air Force base in Šiauliai is intended to enable the base to host 500–750 NATO troops on a rotational basis. It is estimated that the economic impact of a 500-troop mission could amount to around EUR 65.5 million per year,“ states a press release from the Ministry of National Defence.
According to the ministry’s calculations, the cost of a single NATO soldier deployed in Lithuania amounts to around EUR 2,000–2,300 per month. The largest share of these costs is accounted for by accommodation and catering – more than half of the total expenditure – whilst the remainder is allocated to transport, fuel, leisure and other services.
„Air defence is one of our most important security priorities today. However, capabilities are not determined solely by the weapons or aircraft we possess – it is also important that we have the right infrastructure, that we can host our allies and ensure the conditions for them to operate. Investment in this infrastructure strengthens Lithuania’s defence and, at the same time, brings tangible benefits to our economy,“ said Robertas Kaunas, Minister of National Defence, as quoted in the statement.
Furthermore, according to the Ministry of National Defence, the presence of allies also increases the demand for services and specialists. Accommodation, catering, transport and other services are required to ensure host nation support for NATO air bases. Preliminary estimates suggest that for every 5–10 NATO troops stationed at a base, one or two additional jobs may be required to support the forces.
NATO began its air policing mission in the Baltic states in March 2004, when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia became NATO members.