Lithuania’s defence budget is inflating, and the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence have announced a number of new purchases. Some have been in the works for years, others are recent additions to boost the country’s security.
HIMARS
What kind of weapon is it?
Mobile rocket artillery systems, accompanied by the purchase of long-range ATACMS missiles that have a range of up to 300 kilometres.
Price
USD 495 million (provisional).
Background
This is the most expensive purchase in the history of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. According to Army Chief Valdemaras Rupšys, it represents a qualitative leap for the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
“In today’s conventional warfare, we fight in brigade, division and even larger units, so the acquisition of HIMARS enables us to move to a higher level of combat,” said Rupšys.
Lithuania is buying eight missile launchers from the US, along with several types of missiles, including long-range missiles that can reach targets 300 kilometres away.
Lithuania should receive its first HIMARS systems in 2025. Vilnius is procuring the systems themselves, their ammunition, maintenance equipment, and training services. The purchase is made through the US government, which places the order with private manufacturers in the American arms industry. HIMARS is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, one of the largest arms manufacturers on the planet.
The Americans have sent HIMARS systems to Ukraine, even though the systems have been modified so that the missiles are closer in range and Ukraine could not hit targets in Russia.
“This is a capability that fundamentally changes the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas told LRT in Washington last week.
NASAMS
What kind of weapon is it?
A medium-range air defence system that protects against air attacks.
Price
Over USD 100 million.
Background
According to the Commander of the Lithuanian Air Force Antanas Matuitis, NASAMS systems are superior to short-range air defence systems currently used by Lithuania that operate at very limited ranges and altitudes.
“A medium-range system like NASAMS provides a longer range, a higher altitude at which targets can be reached. You can protect a larger area or facility. Mid-range systems get targets from further away, while close range ones defend the mid-range systems or closer objects, or if that system misses a hostile missile. The next step would be long-range ground-based air defence systems,” he told LRT.
Lithuania has been asked to transfer NASAMS to Ukraine by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Switchblade 600 drones
What kind of weapon is it?
Kamikaze drones that explode on impact with a target, capable of destroying tanks and other armoured military vehicles.
Price
Lithuania has not yet announced the value of the deal or the number of drones to be bought. The Kyiv Independent reports that one such drone costs USD 6,000.
Background
After the Americans, Lithuania will be the first country in the world to purchase these drones from the US. The drones were also sent to Ukraine. They can search for a target for 40 minutes and cover a distance of 40 kilometres.
“Yes, in the next few days, another contract will be concluded with the manufacturer, this time for the Switchblade 600. These are combat drones with a combat range of 40 kilometres, and we will be the first country in the world to acquire them next year,” Anušauskas said in an interview with LRT this week.
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