US delivers first batch of 50 JLTVs to Lithuanian army

On August 17, the first 50 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) procured by the Lithuanian Armed Forces from the U.S. were unveiled publicly in Rukla. At the ceremony held at the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius said that the acquisition was a particularly important step in the modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

“I am really happy to be here on this occasion, presenting in Lithuania the purchased JLTVs. This is an important step towards in the modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We are very happy about our increasing military cooperation with the U.S., while this project really contributes and shows our willingness and action in protecting the NATO eastern flank,” Vice Minister M. Abukevičius said.

The first JLTV shipment that has arrived in Lithuania includes 50 vehicles. The JLTVs were shipped from the U.S. to Germany by sea and then were brought to Lithuania by car carriers. The first JLTVs were assigned to the Lithuanian Armed Forces training units in Rukla and Kazlų Rūda and personnel training began. Several tens of drivers and 15 technical service personnel have already been fully trained. `

According to the contract signed by the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and the U.S. Government in 2019, 200 such vehicles will be procured for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The new vehicles will be dedicated to the battalions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Iron Wolf and Griffin Brigades, with a priority on the national rapid response force.

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicles acquisition by the Lithuanian Armed Forces is a part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization programme which also includes procurement of the Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles and PZH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. The JLTVs will supplement and update the ATV fleet in the Lithuanian Armed Forces that currently was made up by HMMWVs (‘Hammers’).

The all-terrain JLTVs will have mounted turrets and M2 QCB 12.7mm machine guns. The vehicles in the present JLTV shipment and turrets arrived separately, the equipment will be assembled in the nearest while. The contract between Lithuania and the U.S. covers the JLTC platform equipment, weaponry, personnel training, spares and maintenance, transportation, and equipment assembly. The procured JLTVs, equipment, weapons, tools, and spares will be delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in full by 2024.