Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas highlighted the importance of this acquisition, stating, “The modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces is advancing rapidly. The arrival of the new JLTVs this week underscores the close cooperation between Lithuanian and U.S. military forces. These armored vehicles will also serve as platforms for short-range air defense systems.”
The JLTVs will be equipped with RBS 70 NG (MSHORAD) short-range air defense systems, which Lithuania purchased in July 2023. The delivery of these systems is expected between 2025 and 2027.
Lithuania began acquiring the JLTVs in 2019 following the signing of a procurement agreement between the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence and the U.S. Government. The first phase of this acquisition was completed last year with the delivery of 200 vehicles to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. In the second phase, an additional 300 vehicles will be produced by the U.S. company Oshkosh Defense, bringing the total number of JLTVs in the Lithuanian military to 500.
