Earlier this week, the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency signed a contract with the US Government for the acquisition of 300 additional Oshkosh Defense Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). This will bring the total number of vehicles on order for the Lithuanian Armed Forces to 500. Deliveries of this new batch are slated to commence in 2023 and be completed by the end of 2024. Lithuania has already received their first batch of JLTVs in August 2022, these were ordered under an earlier contract.
The additional procurement of 300 JLTVs represents a further step in the modernisation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Lithuania wants to be able to contribute to securing NATO’s eastern flank and send a signal to its Allies that Lithuania is investing in the defensive capabilities of itself and the Alliance.
The new vehicles are intended to improve the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ mobility, personnel protection and combat power. Lithuania’s JLTVs are fitted with weapon stations armed with M2 QCB 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, and can accommodate a crew of 5. The JLTVs will be assigned to the Lithuanian ‘Iron Wolf’ and ‘Griffin’ Brigades, and to the national Rapid Response Force in order of priority.
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