Air Base

On 23rd of January, 1992, the Minister of Defense signed an order establishing the staff for the Aviation Base of the aviation service. But an actual base in the Siauliai airport territory (Barysiai airfield) was not established until March, when according the ordinance of the Government of Lithuanian Republic, all the infrastructure, buildings, territory and 24 An-2 aircraft were passed from ”Lithuanian Airlines" to the aviation service of the Ministry of Defense. In 1995 the First Aviation Base was relocated to the Siauliai (Zokniai) airfield.

 In 1992 on Jun 12th, the first time after regaining the independence of Lithuania,  An-2 aircraft, marked with the double cross of Vytis on its wings – the distinguishing sign of Lithuanian Air Force – took off from Barysiai airfield. This date is considered to be the First Aviation Base foundation date

The First Staff of Air Base at Barysiu Airfield

 From 1995 to 1999 according a decree of Lithuanian Government the First Aviation Base was relocated to Zokniai airfield nearby Siauliai, which was used for fighter wing, radio-electronic fight and reconnaissance squadrons dislocation during the Soviet occupation.

       Air base

 After March 1st 1993 aviation service was reformed to the Lithuanian Air Force and Aviation Base was renamed the First Aviation Base of the Lithuanian Air Force.

Staff of Air Base

According to the decree nr. V-901, 08 21 2004, of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Lithuania L.Linkevičius, the First Aviation Base and the Second Aviation Base were reorganized into the Lithuanian Air Force Aviation Base as of 1st October 2004.

The history of the Lithuanian Air Force Aviation Base command is as follows:
From April 1992 till July 1992 Maj.   Maj. J. Noreika
From July 1992 till December 1997   Maj. J. Marcinkus
From December 1997 till July 2000  Col. E. Mažeikis
From July 2000 till July 2002   Maj. A. Navickas
From July 2002 till November 2004  Maj. D. Martusevičius
From November 2004 till July 2006   Lt.Col. A. Balynas
As it is now, military pilot, Lt.Col. Audronis Navickas is in charge of the Aviation Base.

 Up to 2004 there were only light attack jet aircraft and transport aircraft located at the Air Base, after the reconstruction of First and Second Air Bases, helicopters are located at the Air Base too.

Light Attack Jet Aircraft L-39ZA

Helicopter Mi-8

The staff, aircraft and equipment of the Air Base participated in many international training missions abroad and at home.

On 17th March 2004 NATO counsel made a decision in relevance to Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian air space and necessary forces dislocation in Lithuania.

 On 25th March 2004 the Minister of Defense Linas Linkevičius passed a decree, by which starting 29th March it was allowed to NATO nations aircraft execute air policing mission in Lithuanian airspace. Also, according this decree the troops supporting and executing this NATO mission, along with civlian contractors were allowed to come into Lithuanian Republic.

On 29th March 2004 after making necessary changes in the North Atlantic Treaty ratification in Washington D.C, Lithuania became a NATO member with all rights and responsibilities and on the same time it became a NATO defense area. Due to this fact, Baltic airspace, including Lithuania, was protected according the NATO standard from the day one.