Lithuanian Armed Forces capabilities are strengthened further with a planned procurement of Javelin mid-range anti-tank weaponry – missiles, launchers and other parts of the system – worth of USD 40 million VAT not included. The amendment to the corresponding contract between the Government of the United States of America and the Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence was endorsed on March 9, there are also ongoing talks concerning the quickest full delivery possible. The additional Javelin mid-range anti-tank systems will be dedicated to Lithuanian Land Force divisions.
“The Javelin anti-tank system received from the U.S. makes a particularly significant contribution to strengthening Lithuania’s defence capabilities, a lasting boost to the combat capability of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the deterrent effect. It is particularly important in the very difficult geopolitical situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” says Minister of National Defence.
The U.S. is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key allies for the security in the Baltic region. It contributes actively to the implementation of the assurance measures in the Baltic states, security and stability of the region. The U.S. actively supports our regional security with manpower, equipment and funds. Financial support for strengthening the defence capabilities of European countries, including Lithuania, and for improving military infrastructure is consistently increased every year under the European Deterrence Initiative. The U.S. is also one of the main partners in arms procurement. Lithuania has contracts with the U.S. Government for 200 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and 4 Black Hawk helicopters.
The FGM-148 Javelin (AAWS-M) is an American-made portable anti-tank missile fielded since 1996 to replace the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in US service. Its fire-and-forget design uses automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch, as opposed to wire-guided systems. The Javelin medium-range anti-tank missile system is an advanced weapon capable of destroying modern, explosive reactor armour (ERA)-fitted main battle tanks in daylight and at night within the effective range of 75 meters – 2.5 kilometers. The system is based on “fire-and-forget” principle: when the target is locked and a missile is fired, it guides itself all the way to the target.
