The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence’s Materiel Agency has signed a contract with the US Government to purchase 300 more Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). The Lithuanian Armed Forces will receive the total of 500 JLTVs, the current amount and the 200 items contracted for with the U.S. Government in 2019. The new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) will substantially strengthen the current capability of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, add mobility, personnel protection and combat power. The JLTVs acquisition by the Lithuanian Armed Forces is a part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization programme which also includes procurement of the Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles and PZH 2000 self-propelled howitzers.
“The additional procurement of 300 items of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle from the U.S. is one of the most important steps in the process of modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Our military cooperation with the United States is expanding and we are capable of contributing to the security of the eastern flank of NATO together. This sends a strong signal to our Allies that Lithuania not only assists Ukraine in its struggle with everything we have but also takes care to invest in its own defence and the defence of the whole Alliance,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is a United States military and United States Special Operations Command program to partially replace the Humvee fleet with a family of more survivable vehicles having a greater payload. The new vehicles will be dedicated to the battalions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Iron Wolf and Griffin Brigades, with a priority on the national rapid response force. The JLTVs will supplement and update the ATV fleet in the Lithuanian Armed Forces that currently was made up by HMMWVs (‘Hammers’). The all-terrain JLTVs will have mounted turrets and M2 QCB 12.7mm machine guns. The contract between Lithuania and the U.S. covers the JLTC platform equipment, weaponry, personnel training, spares and maintenance, transportation, and equipment assembly.
The first shipment including 50 JLTVs arrived in Lithuania last summer and is now successfully used by the Lithuanian military. The next batch of 50 will be delivered in a month or two this year, and another 100 – in 2023, with the remaining to come gradually as well. The Joint Light Tactical Vehicles will be assigned to battalions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Iron Wolf and Griffin Brigades, and to the national Rapid Response Force in order of priority. The JLTV is an advanced all-terrain vehicle with high crew protection. They will keep troops safer and reconnaissance, artillery and support operations more effective. The light armored vehicles will not only improve our armed capabilities but also the interoperability of U.S. and Lithuanian forces.
