Lithuania Orders 300 U.S.-made Joint Light Tactical Vehicles

Lithuania’s defense ministry has confirmed the purchase of 300 U.S.-produced joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) for the army.

"Our military cooperation with the U.S. is growing and together we can contribute to the security of NATO's eastern flank. We are sending a strong signal to our allies that Lithuania not only supports Ukraine fighting with all its might, but also cares and invests both in its defense and in the defense of the entire Alliance," Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas commented.

The Army has also acquired 500 SUVs in addition to 200 already bought in 2019. The first SUVs under the new contract will be delivered to Lithuania in 2023, and by 2024, deliveries of all vehicles will be completed. The available SUVs are turreted, armed with 12.7mm M2 QCB machine guns, and carry 5 troops with weapons.

JLTV all-terrain vehicles will be provided to the battalions of the "Iron Wolf" and "Žemaitija" brigades of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

JLTVs are technically advanced off-road vehicles that provide a high level of crew protection. Aside of offering protection, the vehicles provide greater effectiveness during reconnaissance, artillery and support air attack operations.