The government of the United States and Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency have signed an amendment to an existing contract for a second HIMARS rocket artillery battery worth about $280 million, Lithuania’s Defence Ministry said Wednesday.
The additional agreement covers the purchase of extra launchers, combat and training ammunition for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, as well as guided missile systems, command and communications equipment, and a logistics and training package. US defence company Lockheed Martin will implement the contract.
Lithuania signed a $495 million deal with the United States in late 2021 for eight HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. The combined value of the contracts for the first and second HIMARS batteries now stands at about $778 million.
The latest amendment, after minor price adjustments for the first battery, is valued at roughly $280 million.
“Our US allies have committed to delivering the first battery this year, but we are investing in the future to further strengthen the country’s defence, deterrence and our ability to defend the eastern flank alongside our allies,” Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas was quoted in a statement.
The first HIMARS battery is scheduled to arrive in Lithuania this year, and the military expects the systems to reach full operational capability by 2027.
The ministry also said Lithuania has purchased about 2 billion euros’ worth of weapons and equipment from the United States over the past three years, making it the largest buyer of US arms in the Baltic region.
Purchases include Javelin anti-tank missiles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS systems and AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS air defence, among other equipment.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
