Army Technology

Daily Newsletter

09 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

Lithuania boosts Ukraine with NASAMS and other support

Lithuania has continued its military support throughout the first seven months of 2023, encompassing an array of equipment, training, and financial aid.

In a steadfast display of solidarity and amidst escalating regional tensions, Lithuania's dedication to bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities remains strong.

The Baltic nation has continued its military support throughout the first seven months of 2023, encompassing an array of equipment, training, and financial aid. Notably, the imminent delivery of NASAMS missile launch systems shows Lithuania's strategic focus on enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities against emerging threats, including anti-drone capabilities and logistical support.

This approach reaffirms Lithuania's role as a stalwart ally in Ukraine's quest for enhanced security and stability. The announcement is part of Lithuania's continuous military support to Ukraine, which has seen a stream of resources flowing into the conflict-stricken nation.

Lithuania's dedication to Ukraine's defence has been palpable, with an array of military assets being supplied, ranging from Mi-8 helicopters and L-70 anti-aircraft guns to M113 armoured personnel carriers and millions of essential cartridges and grenade launcher ammunition.

However, the impending provision of NASAMS missile launch systems is a big moment in this enduring partnership. Lithuania purchased the two NASAMS launchers for the air defence of Ukraine from Kongsberg in a deal worth $10.7m.

This May, the US agreed to a $285m sale of Raytheon's NASAMS air defence systems to Ukraine. In cooperation with the US, Norway also delivered the NASAMS firing units to strengthen the defensive capabilities of Ukraine against the missile attacks of the Russian military forces.

According to GlobalData Analyst Briefing: Ukraine's air defence demands will test capacity and affordability, "Western aid has prioritised medium-range stationary systems such as NASAMS and IRIS-T which are ideal for defending large urban areas and will free up what remains of Ukraine's more mobile systems to support frontline operations.

The NASAMS missile launch systems, renowned for their advanced anti-drone capabilities and logistical efficiency, will empower Ukrainian forces to counter aerial threats more effectively. With drones becoming an increasingly pervasive tool on the modern battlefield, including anti-drone technology in Lithuania's support package showcases the nation's foresight in addressing evolving security challenges.

Lithuania's support extends beyond hardware, as it also actively engages in the training and developing of Ukrainian soldiers. This multifaceted assistance includes consultations, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services for Ukrainian military personnel, highlighting Lithuania's approach to ensuring Ukraine's armed forces remain combat-ready.

Furthermore, Lithuania's commitment transcends national borders, as the nation allocates funds to international support initiatives to aid Ukraine. This financial contribution shows Lithuania's broader commitment to regional stability and security as it seeks to foster a peaceful and prosperous future for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Combat UGV is expected to remain the dominant market segment followed by the logistics UGV segment

As the global appetite for unmanned systems continues to grow, the market for unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) has expanded significantly since 2015. While insufficient technological maturity had previously stymied the wider development and procurement of UGVs, continued investment within the defense industry has produced notable advancements in autonomous navigation, modularity, and endurance over the last several years. Modern UGVs are now suitable for a wider variety of defense and security applications beyond the traditionally limited scope of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), with nations including China, France, India, Russia, the UK, and the US developing logistics, ISR, and combat-capable UGV platforms. Despite the significant untapped potential of compact and miniaturized UGV platforms, defense procurement officials worldwide are increasingly expressing interest in the development of larger, heavier UGV platforms designed to support and eventually replace certain ground forces and platforms on future battlefields. Per GlobalData analysis, over the next decade, the combat UGV segment is expected to remain the dominant market segment, primarily driven by procurement programs in countries such as the US, the UAE, Russia, Turkey, Italy, and Ukraine.