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June 2, 2015 / 1:17 PM

Baltic states exploring joint air defense system

Baltic nations have agreed to explore joint development of a medium-range air defense system.

A U.S. Air Force pilot taxis in an F-15C Eagle aircraft at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, March 11, 2014, in support of the NATO Baltic air policing mission. The U.S. Air Force assumed command of the NATO Baltic air policing mission for a four-month rotation from January to May of 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Keenan Kunst

A U.S. Air Force pilot taxis in an F-15C Eagle aircraft at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, March 11, 2014, in support of the NATO Baltic air policing mission. The U.S. Air Force assumed command of the NATO Baltic air policing mission for a four-month rotation from January to May of 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Keenan Kunst

VILNIUS, Lithuania, June 2 (UPI) -- Baltic countries are exploring possible joint development of a mid-range air defense system as a result of regional tensions.

The possibility of a joint mid-range air defense system was announced late last month by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense following a meeting by Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Juozas Olekas, Minister of Defense of Estonia Sven Mikser and Minister of Defense of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis.

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"The ministers agreed to consult with such strategic allies as the United States of America or Poland and have draft plans for the possible development of mid-range air defense system produced by this autumn," the ministry said.

"Regional defense cooperation of the Baltic States is more critical than ever, our security assurance is our solidarity," said the Lithuanian minister. "The ministers also agreed to enhance cooperation with Poland, Baltic States' neighbor and ally in NATO, for assuring a unanimous response to possible threats."

Baltic countries, once part of the now-defunct Soviet Union, have been increasing defense cooperation among themselves and with other NATO countries as a result of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and continued political and military machinations in Eastern Ukraine.

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