Lithuania Announces New Military Aid Package for Ukraine Including Armored Vehicles and Air Defense Systems.

Lithuania has unveiled plans to deliver a new military aid package to Ukraine in August 2024, further supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities during an ongoing conflict. This package, which includes a range of essential military equipment, reflects Lithuania's commitment to strengthening Ukraine's ability to protect its sovereignty and maintain stability in the region.
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Armored vehicles that Lithuania transferred to Ukraine in June 2024. (Picture source: Lithuania MoD)

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced that this upcoming aid will include short-range air defense systems, armored vehicles, and anti-drone weapons, which Ukraine urgently needs. According to Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurinas Kasčiūnas, this aid is not only a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine but also an investment in Lithuania's own security. He emphasized the importance of contributing to the "air defense coalition" led by Germany, the United States, and France, which has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine's air defense efforts.

The aid package will include 14 M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defense systems with corresponding missiles, electronic warfare equipment, off-road vehicles with spare parts, tractor trucks, forklift systems, small arms, ammunition, and various spare parts. These resources are intended to meet the daily operational needs of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.

This latest package follows Lithuania's ongoing support for Ukraine throughout 2024. Earlier this year, Lithuania delivered artillery ammunition, additional armored vehicles, anti-drone systems, Swedish Carl Gustaf anti-tank grenade launchers, RISE-1 remote detonation systems, components for L-39ZA Albatros training and combat aircraft, as well as generators. Since the start of the full-scale war, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with military aid valued at $641 million.

In addition to military aid, Lithuania has also participated in testing drones from five Lithuanian manufacturers in Ukraine, with potential contracts to follow. The Lithuanian government has also taken steps to establish permanent fortifications at two locations near its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, thus strengthening its own national defense in response to regional tensions.