Lithuania receives third batch of JLTV armored vehicles

22 May, 2023 JLTV armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Lithuania. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania The Armed Forces of Lithuania received a batch of American-made JLTV armored vehicles.

The press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Lithuania reported about this. This marks the third delivery to the Lithuanian military, comprising a batch of 50 JLTV units The vehicles arrived in Lithuania last week.

Some of these vehicles are armed with the CROWS remote machine gun system with a large-caliber 12.7 mm machine gun. With this batch of American-made JLTV armored vehicles, their total number in the Lithuanian army has reached 150 units.

JLTV armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Lithuania. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania

All 200 JLTVs ordered under the first contract are expected to be delivered to the Lithuanian Army by the end of this year.

The intention to purchase American JLTV vehicles was first announced in 2017 when, during tests in Lithuania, this particular model was ahead of nine other armored vehicles offered to the national military. The application to purchase the JLTV was submitted by Lithuania to the USA at the end of February 2019.

JLTV armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Lithuania. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania

In August 2021, the Lithuanian military received the first batch of JLTV armored vehicles manufactured by the American Oshkosh Defense.

The second batch of armored vehicles arrived in November 2022. Also in 2022, Lithuania signed a contract for the purchase of an additional 300 JLTVs. The first JLTVs under the new deal will be delivered to Lithuania in 2023.

The entire purchase is planned to be completed by the end of 2024. Armored vehicles will be armed with 12.7 mm M2 QCB machine guns.

JLTV armored vehicle of the Armed Forces of Lithuania. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania

With the receival of these additional JLTV armored vehicles, the Lithuanian Army will have a total of 500 units.

The new equipment will significantly strengthen the current capabilities of the Lithuanian army, increase its mobility, security, and combat power.