A Russian attack on NATO countries was “practically impossible” in the near future, Lithuania’s defence chief, Valdemaras Rupsys, stated, BNS reports. Speaking in an interview with Ziniu Radijas, Rupsys warned that diverging political statements and military assessments on the Russian threat created “some confusion,” which could scare the public. His assessment was that the possibility…
Lithuania needs all types of weapons for defence, including tanks and drones, defence chief General Valdemaras Rupsys stated, BNS reports. The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) has to have the capability to counterattack and take over targets, he stressed. This will require mechanised and tank units, Rupsys explained. Earlier, Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas announced that Lithuania…
The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) have received the first batch of Spanish-made EXPAL 120mm mortars, BNS reports. The Defence Ministry said that the modern high-quality weaponry provided a significant enhancement to Lithuania’s indirect fire support capabilities. The mortars have an effective range of up to eight kilometres. Lithuania signed a EUR 9.8mn procurement contract with…
Lithuania has completed the first phase of procuring joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) manufactured by the US defence contractor, Oshkosh Defense, BNS reports. The final batch of 50 JLTVs, part of a 2019 contract for 200 vehicles, recently arrived in Lithuania ahead of schedule. The first 50 JLTVs were delivered in 2021, followed by additional…
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda criticised Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas for sharing information on Lithuania’s plans to sign a letter of intent on the purchase of Leopard tanks from Germany, LRT reports. Nauseda said that the State Defence Council (VGT) had agreed that restricted information “should not be shared on Facebook right after the meeting.” He…
The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) has received a new batch of cargo trucks and multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), the Defence Ministry announced, Baltic News Network reports. LGP received 53 new Peugeot Rifter MPVs. So far, LGP has received 90 Rifter MPVs, with the remainder expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. Lithuania is procuring…
The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) remain the country’s most trusted institution, according to a new Baltijos Tyrimai poll for LRT. The survey showed that 76% of respondents had confidence in LGP in June 2023. Another 71% trust the police, followed by the Catholic church with 66%, the president with 66%, the State Social Insurance Fund…
Lithuania’s government has approved an updated state border protection plan adapted to new threats, Baltic News Network reports. The Interior Ministry said that the updated plan would ensure timely and operational reinforcement of forces at the border, without the need for additional inter-agency coordination, in the event of a high threat level. The plan establishes…
Germany will station a Patriot air defence system for the duration of the upcoming NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, Baltic News Network reports. Also, additional combat capabilities will be stationed in Lithuania for the summit. The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) will allocate over 3,000 troops for the event, which is to be held…