Lithuania to buy FN Herstal MINIMI Mk3 machine guns and Saab Carl-Gustaf M4 anti-tank ammunition.

According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, the Lithuanian Armed Forces will replenish their stocks with FN Herstal MINIMI 7.62 Mk3 machine guns and and Carl-Gustaf M4 ammunition: the Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence carries out the acquisition of vital weaponry and ammunition in pursuit of strengthened Lithuanian defence capabilities and investment in Lithuanian Armed Forces stocks, the latest acquisition being a new batch of munitions for the Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle and FN MINIMI 7.62 light machine guns.

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The Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence signed an FN MINIMI 7.62 acquisition contract with Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal, S.A., last month (Picture source:  FN Herstal)

The Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence signed an FN MINIMI 7.62 acquisition contract with Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal, S.A., last month. The contract encompasses 7.62×51 mm FN Minimi MK 3 light machine guns with spare barrels, cleaning kits, belt and sling bags for approx. EUR 34 million.

The FN MINIMI 7.62 light machine gun is a lighter and more advanced model than the KSP-58, FN MAG, and MG3 currently in use in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The acquisition will and mobility and effectiveness to Land Force personnel. Moreover, the machine gun is operated by one servicemember as opposed to the two required by the dated KSP-58s. The MINIMI 7.62 system has optical attachments available to maximize fire accuracy and effectiveness even during the dark part of the day.

The first part of the acquired MINIMI 7.67 batch will be delivered to Lithuania still this year. This is the first time Lithuania procures the system widely used by NATO member states and the most popular 7,62×51 mm machine gun among the Western militaries.

Lithuania has historical ties with the Belgian manufacturer. The Lithuanian Armed Forces were armed with the Mauser K98 carbines and Browning pistols of the Belgian making with the Pillars of Gediminids insignia on them during the interwar period.

FN MINIMI 7.62 Mk 3(Picture source:  FN Herstal)

In January the Defence Materiel Agency under the MoD placed an order with the Swedish manufacturer Saab Dynamics AB for different types of Carl-Gustaf anti-tank weapon ammunition on the basis of a long-term contract signed in late 2021. Together with Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania is party to the long-term contract and has the opportunity to acquire Carl-Gustaf ammunition of different purposes for best prices and on best conditions. The contract spans 7 years which Lithuania plans to use to acquire up to 60 million worth of Carl-Gustaf ammunition. The batch ordered this year will arrive at the Lithuanian Armed Forces in 2024-2025. Combat proven ammunition of the Carl-Gustaf antitank system known for its high efficiency is used for unit maneuver support and effective neutralization of armored vehicles.

Defense News March 2023