Lithuanian Air Force: situation analysis and future perspectives

The main objective of the Lithuanian Air Force (LAF) is surveillance, control and defence of Lithuanian airspace. However, there are doubts whether the LAF is capable to achieve this goal. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of LAF during crisis and conflict time looking through the NATO context and available combat capabilities, to compare to the combat capabilities and the development trends of other NATO countries (Denmark, Czech Republic, Poland) Air Force (AF). The comparative analysis provides possible directions for the future development of the LAF, taking into account Lithuanian Armed Forces financial and material resources. The following hypothesis was used: the LAF is currently not properly prepared to carry out direct functions in the time of a crisis or conflict in the case of self-defense or collective-defense. In this study, the LAF Military Units were analysed, which are responsible for the relevant areas and at the same time should ensure the overall Integrated Air Defense of the country, i.e. ensuring peace, crisis and conflict time tasks: LAF Air Base (military aviation), LAF Airspace Surveillance and Control Command (command and control system), LAF Air Defense Battalion (surface to air missile system) and their combat capabilities. Since the AF in the public environment is generally associated only with military aviation, and Air Defense is understood only as a surface-based anti-aircraft system, this study provides information that allows clearer understanding of the functions of the AF and the role that the AF plays in the current conflict. The following research methods were used to understand the significance and importance of the AF as much as possible: Analysis of the NATO and LAF military and operational doctrines, case analysis (AF military capabilities of Lithuania, Denmark, Czech Republic, Poland), comparative analysis, historical analysis, and analysis of scientific literature. Military and operational doctrines define the requirements for military forces, standards, procedures and development directions that must be pursued and implemented. Case analysis and their comparative analysis allow us to see the country's AF level of development in the overall NATO context. Historical analysis makes it possible to ascertain the importance of the AF during conflict. After analyzing the current situation, it is necessary to find out the fact that the LAF currently meets only the requirements of peace time and that NATO's peace time mission can only be carried out with the help of other NATO countries