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Polish Deputy Defence Minister visits Vilnius to discuss NATO eastern flank security

31.07.2025 14:40
On Thursday, Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk is scheduled to meet with Lithuania’s Deputy Ministers of National Defence, Orijana Mašalė and Tomas Godliauskas.
Polish Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk began a visit to Lithuania on 31 July to discuss NATO eastern flank security and promote Polands growing defence exports, following Belgiums recent 137 million purchase of the Piorun Thunderbolt air defence system.
Polish Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk began a visit to Lithuania on 31 July to discuss NATO eastern flank security and promote Poland’s growing defence exports, following Belgium’s recent €137 million purchase of the Piorun “Thunderbolt” air defence system. Photo: Courtesy of the Polish Ministry of National Defence

Talks will focus on strengthening regional security along NATO’s eastern flank, including joint efforts on the development of the “Eastern Shield” and the Baltic Defence Line.

The Polish delegation will also visit the Rudninkai training area in southeastern Lithuania, where one of the largest military camps for allied forces is currently under construction.

Delegates are expected to review plans for a modern logistics depot near the Lithuanian-Belarusian border - similar to facilities being built in Poland as part of the Eastern Shield initiative.

“We’re beginning our visit to Lithuania as part of our cooperation on the Eastern Shield and the Baltic Defence Line - together with officers from the Polish Armed Forces and representatives of President Andrzej Duda,” Tomczyk stated on social media Thursday.

Belgium signs up for Polish-made ‘Thunderbolt’ system

The minister also commented on Belgium’s recent decision to purchase Poland’s Piorun (“Thunderbolt”) air defence system - a man-portable system designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones.

The €137 million deal (around PLN 580 million) marks a growing international interest in Polish-made defence technologies.

“It’s time for other countries to buy from us - not just the other way around,” Tomczyk said, noting that the procurement shift is already underway.

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Source: IAR/MON/X/@CTomczyk/@WarNewsPL1