Lithuania receives first of 300 Oshkosh JLTV for Infantry Units.

Lithuania has taken a step forward in its military capacity improvement by receiving the first batch of joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) under a second contract with the United States. This acquisition marks a major advancement in improving the mobility, security, and combat power of the Lithuanian infantry units. This contract was signed on 300 armored vehicles
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 The first JLTV arrive in Vilnius in March 2024. (Picture source Lithuanian MoD )

The Ministry of Defense of Lithuania announced the arrival of 35 JLTV armored vehicles this week, as part of an ongoing commitment with the US government that began in 2019. This acquisition program initially saw the delivery of 200 all-terrain military vehicles to Lithuania, with the first batch arriving in August 2021 and the last in December of the previous year. Some of these vehicles are equipped with CROWS remote-controlled stations equipped with 12.7 mm caliber machine guns.

The success of this first phase led to the signing of a second contract in October 2022 for an additional 300 armored vehicles. These new JLTVs will also be armed with heavy M2 QCB 12.7 mm machine guns and come with the necessary weapons, spare parts, and tools. Once this second contract is fully implemented, the Lithuanian army will have a total of 500 modern American tactical armored SUVs.

The Lithuanian Minister of National Defense, Arvydas Anusauskas, emphasized the importance of this purchase, describing it as "one of the most important steps in the modernization of the Lithuanian army." He added that "the strengthening of the Lithuanian army greatly contributes to the deterrence of the enemy," reflecting the importance of these vehicles in the national defense strategy.

Developed by Oshkosh Defence, the JLTV is intended to be a superior replacement for the HMMWV (Humvee), offering increased protection, better mobility, and greater load capacity. Its modular design allows for rapid adaptation to various military needs, with the possibility of quickly installing different weapons, communication means, and special equipment. In addition to its use by the United States, this armored vehicle is also used by the armies of several other nations mostly in NATO.

The JLTV is developed from the L-ATV armored wheeled vehicle, Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle. It has ballistic protection and mine-resistant ambush protection at the level of an MRAP, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected. The vehicle can be equipped with various types of armament, including remote-controlled turrets from 12.7 to 20mm caliber.

Therefore, the arrival of the JLTVs in Lithuania represents a significant enhancement of the army's capabilities, not only increasing its mobility but also the personnel's security and overall combat power. this first batch aligns Lithuania on the NATO line and includes the country in a progression with NATO Standards.

Defense News March 2024