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Aug 13 2020

NSPA modernises Siauliai Air Base infrastructure under EuropeAn Deterrence Initiative

Luxembourg, 13 August 2020 - Since early 2016, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been working in the design and implementation of projects at Siauliai Air Base (Lithuania), the main operating base for NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission since 2004. Altogether, NSPA has completed 12 projects that include the restoration of five buildings, two aprons, one ramp area, one taxiway, two roads and one lighting infrastructure. In addition to those, NSPA is currently overseeing a further three infrastructure improvement projects at the Air Base that will be implemented over the next two years.

The 12 completed projects, managed by NSPA, are part of the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI). Activities under EDI represent the U.S. contribution to NATO's assurance efforts. Works included the restoration and modernization of the Air Base, covering an indoor area of 6900m2 (from which 1100m2 were newly built and 5800m2 renovated) and 39000m2 of outdoor paved surfaces.

Maintenance Hangar after renovation

The Lithuanian government built Siauliai Air Base in 1931 and used it for military aviation activities. The Soviet Union annexed the base in 1940, occupied it from 1941 to 1944, and continued to operate it after the war. When in 1993, the last Soviet troops were withdrawn from the territory, the Lithuanian Air Force took it over and continued flying operations from here. The airfield was partially re-equipped to allow civilian flights, but remained the basis of the Lithuanian Air Force. Later on in 2004, Lithuania joined NATO, and the NATO air forces were deployed at the airfield as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission. The airfield is also used to refuel cargo and transit aircraft.

Some examples of works performed at Siauliai Air Base

Renovation of munition storage building including driveway, power supply, lightning protection, fire protection, ventilation and humidifier systems:

Before

After

Renovation of historical hangar including, structural strengthening, painting, renewal of windows, gates, power supply, lightning protection, compressed air, fire protection, ventilation and heating systems:

Before 

After