The Lithuanian military will buy additional Javelin anti-tank missiles, launchers and other equipment for 40 million US dollars (about 36.3 million euros), the country’s Ministry of Defence announced on March 10. On March 9, Lithuania’s Defence Materiel Agency signed a contract amendment with the US administration. Discussions are also being held with the American administration on the earliest possible delivery of all equipment to the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
“The Javelin anti-tank system received from the United States of America will make a particularly significant contribution to the strengthening of Lithuania’s defence capabilities, the long-term bolstering of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ combat capabilities and the enhancement of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ deterrent effect,” Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas was quoted in the statement. “Adding these systems to the Lithuanian military’s reserves is of particular importance in the very difficult geopolitical situation after Russia invaded Ukraine,” he added.
The Lithuanian military’s land units will be additionally provided with the Javelin mid-range anti-tank weapon systems. Lithuania also has signed contracts with the US administration on acquiring 200 JLTV armoured all-terrain vehicles and four Black Hawk helicopters. The Javelin mid-range anti-tank missile system is capable of destroying modern tanks with reactive armour in the daylight and nighttime at a range of 75 metres to 2.5 km. The system operates on a “fire-and-forget” principle: once a soldier locks on to a target and fires, the missile controls itself as it flies to the target. LRT.lt
