The Lithuanian State Defence Council decided on Monday that the country should buy multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) earlier than planned.
The announcement comes amid tensions in the region over Russia's military buildup near Ukraine's borders.
“It was agreed to push forward the plans to procure MLRS together with the neighbouring Baltic countries,” Darius Kuliešius, President Gitanas Nausėda's chief national security adviser, told reporters after the meeting.
“This system will significantly increase the capability of the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” he added.
Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said that the updated plan was to purchase the MLRS by 2026, earlier than the previous target of 2028.
The State Defence Council, a collegial body coordinating defence issues, consists of the president, the prime minister, the parliament speaker, the defence minister, and the armed forces chief.
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