Total Procurement Now Stands at 500
The Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency ordered an additional 300 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) from the US government this week, bringing to 500 the total number of JLTVs earmarked for the nation’s armed forces, according to an announcement from the MoD in Vilnius.
“The additional procurement of 300 items of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle from the US is one of the most important steps in the process of modernisation of the Lithuanian armed forces. Our military cooperation with the United States is expanding and we are capable of contributing to the security of the eastern flank of NATO together. This sends a strong signal to our allies that Lithuania not only assists Ukraine in its struggle with everything we have, but also takes care to invest in its own defence and the defence of the whole Alliance,” commented Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of National Defence.
According to Vice Minister Vilius Semeška, since Lithuania has negotiated JLTV delivery ahead of the planned schedule, the first vehicles under the new contract will reach Lithuania in 2023. The first 50 JLTVs reached Lithuania in the summer, and will be joined by a further 50 before year end, 100 in 2023 then the balance gradually through 2024.
The vehicles, manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, feature additional turrets, are armed with 12.7mm M2 QCB machineguns and accommodate a crew of five fully-equipped soldiers. They will be assigned to battalions of the Iron Wolf and Griffin Brigades as well as the Rapid Response Force, according to the MoD.
