Abstract
The article offers the discussion of the origins, current state and the future of air defence of the Baltic states. It tries to relate developments in the field of air defense to changes in security environment, and defence polices of the Baltic states. The article starts with a retrospection on origins and developments of air defence of the Baltic states before they joined NATO. Then it focuses on early years of integration with NATO Integrated Air Defense System and implications for air defence of the Baltic states related to changes in the security of the Euro-Atlantic region stemming from Russian aggressive actions. An assessment of current posture of air defence of the Baltic states serves as a starting point for the discussion on requirements for future developments, and predicting possible outcomes. The research uses unclassified, publicly available documents and analytical reports to provide background information for the discussion on the future of air defense of the Baltic states. The Baltic states are aware of the limitations of their air defense, and try to develop this capability within available resources. Changes to security environment after 2014 gave new impetus to the development of air defense of the Baltic states, both for the efforts undertaken by NATO and for national capability development.
Highlights
Air defense is a crucial capability for guarding the sovereignty over national airspace and preventing aggressive actions by hostile air and missile threats
The lessons learned by the Baltic states suggest that for states with small defence budgets, even long-term efforts result in a limited air defense capability
The period before the Baltic states joined NATO saw some developments only to air surveillance capability, while the functions of air defense related to engagement of air threats could not be performed
Summary
Air defense is a crucial capability for guarding the sovereignty over national airspace and preventing aggressive actions by hostile air and missile threats. A turning point in the development of air defense of the Baltic states was Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of Crimea. This research aims to discuss the origins, current state and the future of air defense in the Baltic states. The research explores the synergy of NATO, bilateral defense cooperation, and national efforts in the field of air defense It uses unclassified, publicly available documents and analytical reports as a source of information for the discussion on the origins, current state, and future of air defense of the Baltic states. The article starts with a retrospective on the origins and developments of air defence of the Baltic states before their membership to NATO. The final part of the article discusses the future of the air defense of the Baltic states while trying to reconcile requirements for future developments and possible outcomes
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