Lithuania Delivers Stinger Man-portable Air-defense System (MANPAD) to Ukraine

Lithuania has delivered Stinger FIM-92 man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) to Ukraine. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania stand united in their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in face of continued Russian aggression. Latvia and Lithuania will provide Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and adjacent equipment to bolster Ukraine’s defensive military capabilities. Latvia will also send to Ukraine individual equipment and military meals ready-to-eat. Estonia will provide Javelin anti-armour missiles. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and their allies are working together expeditiously to hand over the security assistance to Ukraine.

The Baltic States will continue supporting Ukraine not only in diplomatic and political ways, but also in strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. In light of Russia’s increase in military pressure in and around Ukraine, the Baltic States have decided to answer Ukrainian needs and to provide additional defence related assistance. This aid will further enhance Ukraine’s capability to defend its territory and population in case of a possible Russian aggression. The Baltic States sincerely hope that Ukraine will face no need to use this equipment and call on Russian Federation to seize its aggressive and irresponsible behavior.

The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) that operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM). It is principally manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems and is produced under license by EADS in Germany and by ROKETSAN in Turkey, with 70,000 missiles produced. Light to carry and easy to operate, the FIM-92 Stinger is a passive surface-to-air missile that can be shoulder-fired by a single operator. The missile is 5.0 ft (1.52 m) long and 2.8 in (70 mm) in diameter with 3.9 in (100 mm) fins. The missile itself weighs 22 lb (10.1 kg), while the missile with its launch tube and integral sight.

The FGM-148 Javelin is an American man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile fielded to replace the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in US service. The Javelin’s HEAT warhead is capable of defeating modern tanks by attacking them from above where their armor is thinnest, and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight. On October 3 2019, The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for one hundred fifty (150) Javelin missiles. On February 15 2020, the United States delivered 128 anti-tank Raytheon Javelin missiles to the Estonian Ministry of Defense and Estonian Defense Forces.