Lithuania considers potential 2 billion euros deal to create a Leopard tank battalion.

According to an article from Verslo žinias on July 25, 2023, Lithuania is currently considering a potential deal to acquire German-made Leopard tanks, a move aimed at creating a tank division within its armed forces.
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Leopard models include the Leopard 2A6 (Picture source: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann)

The proposed deal involves signing a memorandum of intent for the purchase of these tanks from German manufacturers. However, it's important to note that the memorandum, as stated by Kęstutis Budrys, the President's senior advisor on national security issues, is not a binding commitment to proceed with the acquisition. Instead, it would serve as the first step to initiate discussions and negotiations on key aspects of the deal.

However, no decisions were made on whether one or another model was chosen, as emphasized by the advisor. This ongoing evaluation process underscores the careful consideration being given to all options before proceeding with the potential acquisition. The estimated price for the acquisition is approximately two billion euros, making it one of the most substantial military procurements in Lithuania's history. This significant investment has raised questions and calls for a comprehensive assessment of the deal's financial implications, alongside its political, economic, and industrial aspects.

The potential deal has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the choice of the German manufacturer for the tanks, seeking further transparency regarding the selection process. Minister of National Defense, Arvydas Anušauskas, has stated that the decision-making process involves considering military advice before making any final political choices.

The State Defense Council (VGT) is closely examining the deal, and its members have requested additional evaluations to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implications and alternatives. This process aims to consider not only operational requirements but also various other elements that could impact the decision-making process.

The final decision on the potential deal is yet to be made, and the signing of the memorandum of intent is expected to trigger more detailed negotiations. The State Defense Council plans to revisit the matter during its early autumn session, taking into account the additional assessments and feedback received from the public and experts.

As Lithuania contemplates this major defense acquisition, the nation remains focused on the potential benefits and challenges that come with enhancing its military capabilities through the procurement of Leopard tanks. The parliamentary discussions during the autumn session will play a crucial role in determining the fate of the potential deal, and further updates will be provided as events unfold.