News

As of 1 July the Aitvaras-05 Squadron of the Lithuanian Special Operations Force (SOF) is due to take on a duty within the NATO’s Response Force (NRF).

The squadron of the Special Operations Force is the second unit of the Lithuanian Armed Forces contributed to the NRF. Since the beginning of this year a logistics unit (a water purification unit) of the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been carrying out a duty within the NRF.

The Lithuanian SOF squadron will be assigned to a component of the NFR Special Operation Forces, which has mainly been formed from troops serving with military forces of old-timer NATO member states. This component will be trained to accomplish tasks assigned to the Special Forces to include special reconnaissance, forward actions etc.

Between 2002-2004 troops from the squadron of the Lithuanian SOF participated in the US-led international Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During their misison in Afgnistan, Lithuanian troops were highly commended by the coalition military authorities. 

Units assigned to the NFR assume a duty for a six month rotation. With the effect from 1 January Aitvaras –5 Squadron will be replaced by Squadron Aitvaras-6.

National capabilities assigned to the NRF are kept on stand-by position within their respective country. After a decision to deploy troops to a crisis region has been made, troops will be redeployed to the location of operation within a few days. The NRF will be activated by a decision from the North Atlantic Council. From that moment troops will fall under subordination of the NATO headquarters commanding the operation.

The NRF is intended to fulfil a full spectrum of tasks ranging from peacekeeping to intensive combat operations. The force is of an increased readiness and capable of carrying out tasks independently and performing as part of a larger force.

The NRF consists of air, maritime, ground and special forces components. Units assigned as part of the NRF will be rotated on assignment over a period of six months.

Traditionally, each rotation of forces is given a specific number. For instance, since July 2005, NRF- 5 will serve on a rotation assignment.

A decision to establish the NATO Response Force was made during the NATO Summit in Prague in November 2002.