Lithuania increases Land Force capability with 200 JLTVs from US.

On August 18, 2023, Lithuania confirmed the upcoming reception of 200 JLTVs (Joint Light Tactical Vehicles) as part of an agreement made with the United States in 2019.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Lithuanian army will receive 200, then another 300 JLTVs (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD )

Lithuania is thus set to receive 200 JLTVs, but that's not all. Lithuania also announced that starting next year, it will begin to receive an additional 300 JLTVs, in line with another agreement signed with the United States in 2022. This brings the total number of JLTVs Lithuania will receive to 500, significantly strengthening its land defense capability.

The vehicle can be armed with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun. Thanks to advanced armor solutions, the vehicle provides protection against small arms fire, IED blasts, and artillery shell splinters.

The JLTV is currently in use by several countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and, of course, the United States, where it was designed. Weighing in at 6,400 kg when empty, the JLTV is a sturdy vehicle. It has a top speed of 120 km/h.

The JLTV is equipped with mine blast seats, an automatic fire suppression system, heating, air conditioning, an NBC protection system, and an adaptable suspension. These features ensure a certain level of safety for the vehicle's occupants. With a range of 480 km, the JLTV can operate over long distances without needing to refuel. The JLTV can accommodate a crew of four, with two seats in the front and two in the back. Its dimensions are as follows: a length of 6.2 m, a width of 2.5 m, and a height of 2.6 m.

The JLTV is also an MRAP vehicle, which stands for "Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected," is a type of armored vehicle designed specifically to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes. The development of MRAPs was largely in response to the threats faced by coalition forces during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, where IEDs became a common and deadly weapon used by insurgents.

The decision to acquire these vehicles is part of Lithuania's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its strategic position in Eastern Europe, especially in the face of an increasingly tense regional and international geopolitical landscape.