VILNIUS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian defense authorities decided on Friday to buy Norwegian mid-range air-defense systems Nasams. The purchase is to cost more than 100 million euros (118.3 million U.S. dollars), according to local media reports.
"The defense ministry's resource council approved the purchase, the contract is to be signed after two weeks," Vita Ramanauskaite, spokesperson of Lithuanian defense minister, confirmed to local news agency BNS.
Lithuania's interest in buying Nasams mid-range air-defense systems was first reported a year ago. Former defense minister Juozas Olekas then said the country plans to "spend a bit more than 100 million euros."
This week the Lithuanian government proposed to the country's parliament next year's budget which allocates 122.4 million euros for spending on air-defense systems in coming three years.
By purchasing Nasams, Lithuania would bolster one of its weakest parts in defense. Currently, the country's armed force only has short-range air defense systems.
According to local media, Nasams is capable of hitting targets at the range of up to 40 km and at the height of up to 15 km. (1 euro = 1.18 U.S. dollars)
