Lithuania hands over 1.5 million rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian Defense Forces
9 September, 2023 Ammunition for small arms. Illustration photo As part of a new defense assistance package, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with one and a half million rounds of ammunition.
The next step is to transfer the launchers of the NASAMS air defense system. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense made the announcement on Friday, September 8. "Lithuania continues to provide uninterrupted military assistance to Ukraine, and today it has handed over one and a half million rounds of ammunition to the warring country," the Lithuanian ministry's press service wrote.
It is not specified what kind of ammunition Lithuania had provided to Ukraine. According to the announced amount, it could be ammunition for small arms.
12.7 mm cartridges. Photo credits: Armed Forces of Ukraine
The Lithuanian Defense Ministry also added that Ukraine would soon receive NASAMS air defense system launchers, counter-drone equipment, logistics equipment, and other other necessary equipment.
The NASAMS air defense system is in service in Lithuania. Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
The two additional launchers purchased by Lithuania will be included in the systems already deployed on the territory of Ukraine.
Overall, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with a significant amount of various weapons and armored vehicles, as well as ammunition and special equipment. Among other things, about 24,500 rifles and machine guns, 4,000 pistols, and 1,300 grenade launchers were provided. More than 12 million cartridges and ammunition were also transferred.
L-70 anti-aircraft gun of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
2023. Photo: Joint Forces Command
This year, Lithuania has handed over Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft guns (40mm autocannons) with ammunition, M113 tracked armored personnel carriers, millions of rounds of ammunition for grenade launchers.
A Lithuanian Mi-8 helicopter handed over to the Ukrainian military.
2023. Photo credits: Lithuanian Ministry of Defense
In addition to the transfer of military equipment, Lithuania actively trains the Ukrainian military, provides treatment and rehabilitation for Ukrainians, organizes expert consultations, and allocates funds to international funds to support Ukraine.
Panzermorser self-propelled mortars for Ukraine from Lithuania.
November 2022.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania's support has reached EUR 0.5 billion and will continue - EUR 200 million is planned to be allocated for military assistance in 2024-2026.
Lithuania's support for Ukraine exceeds EUR 1 billion, or more than 1.2% of the country's GDP (half of this amount is military assistance).