History
Narrative Summary
A part-time volunteer defence force was re-established in 1991, along the lines of a similar organisation from the 1930s. A small aviation unit was formed in 1992. Initially it operated a mix of single-engined aircraft and gliders from two ex-Soviet DOSAAF airfields. The aviation unit mainly provided air experience flights and parachuting platforms, much like the former-Soviet DOSAAF organisation, but in 1998 the gliders were sold off to civilian owners.
After 1998 KASPAR worked more closely with the Air Force (KOP). It’s duties included policing, border patrol, and anti-smuggling operations. KASPAR came under the direct command of the Ministry of National Defence rather than the Air Force. In 2009 the aviation assets of KASPAR were transferred to the Air Force. KASPAR still retains an Aviation Unit, but this is now a pool of part-time personnel and not a separate flying unit.
Key Dates
Key Dates: | ||
17 January 1991 | Voluntary National Defence Service (SKAT) officially established | |
1992 | Aviation Group established | |
1998 | SKAT reorganised as the National Defence Volunteer Forces, KASP | |
2003 | KASP ground units incorporated into the Army | |
2009 | Aviation assets transferred to the Air Force |
Current Status
All National Guard aircraft were transferred to the Air Force in 2009. The National Guard Aviation Unit continues as a pool of reserve personnel for supplementing the Air Force.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
National Insignia
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Lithuanian military aircraft carry two-digit numerical codes similar to Soviet-era ‘bort’ numbers, e.g. PZL-104 ’53’ (black). These numbers are not sequential or unique.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable – disbanded in 2009.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Vilnius.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft were based at Kyviskes.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
To be added.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main air base was Kyviskes.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
In addition to the main base, here are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
Lithuanian Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.
Magazines
World Air Power Journal No.32
Air International June 1998
Air Forces Research No.9 & No.10
Websites
wikipedia: Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces
The Lithuanian Border Guard (sic)