Lithuania has finalized an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the procurement of an additional 51 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5000 trucks. The Defense Resources Agency (GRA) under the Ministry of National Defense (KAM) formalized this deal, which builds on an existing contract with Daimler Trucks AG and NSPA, originally signed in 2021. To date, more than 170 of these rugged vehicles have been acquired under the agreement, with this latest purchase valued at €47 million. The Unimog U5000 trucks are central to Lithuania’s military modernization efforts. They serve various roles within the armed forces, from transporting soldiers and logistical equipment to performing medical evacuations and supporting special operations. The Unimog’s all-terrain capabilities, including its ability to navigate both asphalt and gravel roads as well as water obstacles up to 1.2 meters deep, make it particularly suitable for challenging environments. This adaptability is crucial for military exercises and operations in remote or hard-to-reach locations, ensuring that essential supplies and personnel can be moved efficiently.
Currently, the Lithuanian army operates around 500 of these vehicles, which play an integral role in maintaining operational readiness. The decision to continue purchasing through the NSPA reflects the agency’s ability to coordinate bulk procurement across NATO member states, driving down unit costs and ensuring the vehicles meet the collective needs of the alliance. This partnership exemplifies Lithuania’s commitment to enhancing its defense infrastructure while adhering to NATO standards. The Unimog’s robust reputation in military and civilian applications stems from its long history of versatility and reliability. Originally developed in post-war Germany, the Unimog line has been in production since 1948. Known for its exceptional off-road capabilities and adaptability, the Unimog has found widespread use in various fields beyond the military, including agriculture, forestry, and emergency services. The U5000 model, one of the heavy-duty variants, is designed to tackle extreme terrains and conditions, making it a valuable asset for military operations in diverse environments such as jungles, deserts, and mountains.
In 2019, the Lithuanian Armed Forces accepted 110 Unimog U5000 trucks of 5t payload manufactured by Germany’s Daimler AG as it is updating its truck fleet with vehicles of the same make as there already are in the fleet. The trucks are delivered on the basis of a contract signed back in 2015 though continuing successful cooperation of the Ministry of National Defence and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). 88 such trucks have already been delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces; the contract covers acquisition of the total of 340 new Unimog trucks. The 110 have been delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces on the basis of the contract on the Unimog truck acquisition between the Defence Materiel Agency under the MoD and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency updated in 2018. Daimler AG is committed to delivering the remaining 142 trucks in 2020-2021. The new tactical 5-ton trucks will be assigned to the Lithuanian Land Force and other units to supplement equipment fleets of the same technical characteristics that Lithuanian troops are well familiar with.
As part of its broader fleet renewal strategy, Lithuania’s investment in these military-grade trucks underscores the importance of reliable transport solutions in modern warfare. The Unimog U5000’s 5-ton carrying capacity allows for efficient movement of personnel and heavy equipment, essential for maintaining the logistical backbone of any modern army. With this latest procurement, Lithuania not only strengthens its own defense capabilities but also enhances its interoperability with NATO forces, reinforcing the alliance’s collective security framework. The additional vehicles are expected to be delivered later this year, further boosting the Lithuanian army’s ability to respond to both peacetime and combat challenges effectively. The acquisition of these advanced trucks represents a significant step in Lithuania’s ongoing military modernization, ensuring that its forces are equipped to meet the demands of 21st-century warfare. With a growing fleet of Unimog U5000s, Lithuania continues to position itself as a key player in NATO’s defense architecture, contributing to regional stability and readiness.
