An M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The US deployment is Lithuania is expected to include this vehicle. Credit: Sgt Eric Garland.

The US is set to move a larger military unit to Lithuania for an exercise amid political turmoil and protests in neighbouring Belarus.

The unit is expected to include 500 American troops and 40 vehicles, Reuters reported citing a Lithuanian army spokesperson.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The US detachment is expected to contain Abrams tanks and Bradley armoured troop carriers.

Lithuania is scheduled to conduct an annual exercise this month where contingents from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and other countries are expected to participate.

However, the US deployment will continue until November. Lithuania did not clarify if units of other nations will also stay beyond 25 September, when the exercise ends.

Protests in Belarus erupted following a disputed presidential election held last month.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The incumbent Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, who was declared the winner in the election, dismissed reports of electoral fraud and accused Nato of a military build-up near the borders, the news agency added.

He also warned of accepting Russian help, if required, further fuelling tensions in the region.

Lithuania, a Nato member, said that the US troop deployment is not directed towards any neighbour.

Earlier this year, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace announced that it will deliver Protector Remote Weapon Station (RWS) to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The sale was being carried out as part of the US foreign military sales programme.

The RWS system will be integrated on Oshkosh Defense joint light tactical vehicles (JLTV).