U.S. Army’s Abrams Tanks Receive Maintenance at Lithuanian Workshop

The Ministry of Defense of Lithuania has announced the initiation of maintenance operations for Abrams main battle tanks from U.S. Army units stationed in the Baltic states.

This development was communicated through the ministry's social media channels, emphasizing the aim to enhance logistical support for NATO allies in the region.

As of the beginning of 2024, U.S. forces have gained access to an advanced army workshop operated by the Lithuanian army near the settlement of Rukla. This facility is designated for the repair and maintenance of heavy military equipment, with a particular focus on Abrams tanks.

The first batch of Abrams tanks has arrived and is currently undergoing repairs, with collaborative efforts between American and Lithuanian military specialists. The maintenance work is being carried out at the Lithuania Defense Services enterprise, a joint venture established in 2022 by the German corporations Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

This joint venture, in which both partners hold equal 50% shares, specializes in providing logistical support for German-made combat vehicles used by the Lithuanian armed forces and other NATO countries stationed in the Baltic states. The maintenance and logistics center, covering 12,000 square meters, plays a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of military assets.

The selection of the deployment location near the settlement of Rukla was influenced by its proximity to Lithuania's largest military base, housing the NATO battle group "Lithuania," and direct access to the railway for efficient transportation.

In addition to the Abrams tanks, the Lithuania Defense Services enterprise has been involved in the repair and maintenance of Ukrainian Leopard 2 main battle tanks, with the first batch completed in mid-December 2023.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine signed a contract with Lithuania Defense Services earlier this year, aiming to improve logistics and supply spare parts for German armored vehicles operated by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.