Lithuanian government greenlights over €180 million for priority arms procurement

The Lithuanian government has approved a draft resolution by the Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional €187.7 million for priority arms procurement, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence has said.

"These funds will be directed to the Ministry of National Defence for advance payments for infantry fighting vehicles and medium-range air defence systems. The advance payments will ensure earlier delivery of the priority military equipment needed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces," the Ministry's statement said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The procurement concerns Boxer-Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles and NASAMS medium-range ground-based air defence systems.

A version of the German-made Boxer armored vehicle, the Vilkas (meaning "wolf" in Lithuanian) variant is equipped with advanced weaponry and protection systems. These IFVs are meant to enhance the operational mobility and firepower of Lithuanian land forces.

NASAMS is a widely deployed air defense system developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon. It provides medium-range coverage and is effective against aircraft, drones, and some cruise missiles. For Lithuania, integrating NASAMS strengthens its ability to defend critical infrastructure and respond to potential aerial threats.

By Khagan Isayev