Lithuania has announced the purchase of uncrewed aerial systems and radios from the United States to enhance the capabilities of its Armed Forces.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, the government has signed two contracts totaling $25 million with L3Harris Technologies for manpack radios. These radios will be integrated into the Lithuanian military’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles.
Additionally, the ministry’s Defence Materiel Agency has reached a $7.8 million agreement with the U.S. government to acquire small drones from AeroVironment. These vertical takeoff drones are intended for fire control and adjustment tasks and will be integrated with Switchblade 600 combat drones. The defense ministry said that the drones are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Lithuania is a significant customer of U.S. defense contractors. In May 2024, National Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas expressed that he wants U.S. businesses to view Lithuania as a trustworthy business partner and encouraged them to invest in the country. The government has recently implemented new policies that expedite the process of establishing a local office by up to 75 percent.
In addition to defense cooperation, the two nations have a strategic agreement to develop civil nuclear energy. This pact focuses on deploying fourth-generation small modular reactors in Lithuania and advancing their partnership in the commercial civil nuclear sector.