The US State Department has approved Lithuania’s request to buy 500 joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) with support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of the potential foreign military sale (FMS) estimated to be worth $170.8m.
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Under the FMS, the Lithuanian Government will procure M1278A1 heavy guns carriers, and kits for baseline integration, ballistic armour, explosive formed protection, shot detection boomerang and GPS.
The possible sale will also include MK-93 weapons mounts, M2 QCB .50 calibre machine guns, M230 TAC-FLIR systems, personnel training and equipment, as well as engineering, technical and logistics support services.
In a statement, DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to improve the military capability of Lithuania, a Nato ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress within Eastern Europe.”
The JLTV will augment Lithuania’s light tactical vehicle fleet. If the sale is completed, it will boost the country’s ability to keep pace with evolving threats.
The agency added that the possible sale to Lithuania will not affect military balance in the region.
Oshkosh Defense is the prime contractor for the supply of the JLTVs.
In February, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence revealed plans to purchase 200 JLTVs from the US Government.
The ministry submitted applications in this connection to the US Government for acquisition and maintenance of the vehicles.
The vehicles are expected to meet the shortage of armoured all-terrain vehicles in the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ inventory.
