Lithuania boosts defence with €10 million anti-tank mines and PzH 2000 shells
Lithuania has strengthened its defence capabilities by acquiring modern anti-tank mines and artillery shells, the country’s Ministry of Defence announced on August 14.
The newly purchased mines, costing more than €10 million, are designed specifically to combat armoured vehicles. In addition, ammunition depots have been replenished with 155 mm artillery shells valued at €520,000, intended for use with PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers.
“The accumulation of ammunition is a strategically important step towards strengthening Lithuania's defence capabilities,” said Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene in a statement from the ministry.
“We must ensure that the Lithuanian Armed Forces always have a sufficient supply — or even a surplus — of modern ammunition, because this is not just numbers on paper, but a guarantee of the security of our people,” she emphasised.
Sakaliene added that the military is stockpiling both 155 mm artillery shells and modern anti-tank mines “to ensure effective deterrence,” underlining that maintaining a robust supply of advanced weaponry is essential for national security.
The purchases were made through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, reflecting Lithuania’s ongoing commitment to modernising its military equipment.
This year, Lithuania plans to allocate just over 4% of its gross domestic product to defence spending and aims to increase that figure to 5.25% by 2026, demonstrating a long-term strategy to enhance the country’s defence posture and readiness in the face of regional security challenges.
By Tamilla Hasanova