Lithuania to allocate over 3 billion euros to arms purchase

The Lithuanian government plans to allocate more than 3 billion euros for the purchase of weapons within 10 years.

It is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the press service of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence.

“As part of plans to develop the national defence system, the Ministry of National Defence plans to allocate more than 3.1 billion euros over the next decade to acquire military stocks and replenish warehouses with the necessary ammunition of various calibers,” the report says.

At the same time, it is noted that the allocated budget will be at least 12 per cent of the total defence budget every year.

It is noted that about 90 per cent of this amount will be allocated for the purchase of weapons, the rest - for the purchase of engineering equipment and explosives.

According to the Minister of Defence of Lithuania Arvydas Anusauskas, the creation of a reserve of weapons is one of the most important priorities for providing the Lithuanian army.

This is due not only to the tense security situation in the region, but also to the very rapid modernisation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

It is planned to purchase NASAMS multiple launch rocket systems, HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles, JLTV armored all-terrain vehicles, PzH2000 and Ceasar howitzers, combat drones and other means.