The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence has concluded its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) acquisition project, with the final two US-made vehicles delivered in mid-February.
With this delivery, the Lithuanian Armed Forces now operates 500 JLTVs, making it the largest operator of this vehicle class outside the US.
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The procurement process began in 2019 with a contract signed between the Ministry of National Defence and the US Government.
US-based Oshkosh Defense produced and supplied the vehicles in two batches, with an initial delivery of 200 and a subsequent delivery of 300 units.
Lithuania National Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas: “We have finalised a strategic stage of Lithuanian Armed Forces capability enhancement which significantly supports development of the national division and deterrence.
“The Lithuanian Armed Forces currently has 500 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles with high crew safety and mobility features at its disposal.”
The Oshkosh JLTV is available in four configurations, including a utility vehicle with two doors, a general-purpose vehicle, a weapon carrier for combat applications and a heavy guns carrier vehicle.
The general-purpose variant can be fitted with systems such as a Boeing compact laser weapon system (CLWS), a Kongsberg Protector LW 30 remote weapon system equipped with an M230LF cannon, or a Samson dual-stabilised remote weapon system also featuring an M230 LF gun.
The platforms will be used for functions including reconnaissance, fire support, operational command and other related missions. Some vehicles are designed to integrate with the RBS70 NG short-range air defence system.
“The armoured vehicles will support reconnaissance, fire support and command operations. As air defence remains our top priority, part of the purchased vehicles are RBS70 NG short-range air defence system-capable,” Kaunas added.
The JLTV programme is among the largest modernisation initiatives undertaken by the Lithuanian Armed Forces in recent years and aligns with plans for full national division development by 2030.
The Ministry reports that around 60% of this year’s defence budget will be allocated to modernisation efforts to enhance defence capabilities in line with Nato standards and respond to regional security requirements.
Lithuania placed a third order with Saab in December last year for the supply of the Mobile Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) system, through the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency.
The system will be integrated into Oshkosh-manufactured JLTV 4×4 vehicles.
