The Lithuanian Armed Forces has accepted a new shipment of Javelin anti-tank weapon systems from the United States.
The Ministry of National Defence confirmed the approximately $16.6 million weapons delivery on Tuesday.
According to Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas, the anti-tank missiles will bolster the Lithuanian military’s combat capacity and deterrent effect.
“The United States of America is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key allies for the Baltic regional security,” Kasciunas said in a statement.
The ministry said the weapon system will be deployed for use by the Lithuanian Land Force units.
Commenting on the weapons delivery, U.S. Ambassador Kara McDonald expressed Washington’s approval of the country’s continued investments in enhancing its combat capabilities.
To date, Lithuania has acquired over 20 percent of its new military equipment and weapons inventory from the United States, the Ministry of National Defence said. The European country’s recent weapons procurements include joint light tactical vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
Lithuania’s purchase of additional Javelin systems comes as tensions continue to rise in Europe due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
