Defence
Conscription boosted emigration, Lithuanian PM says
Military conscription, which was reinstated in Lithuania last year, was one of the reasons behind a hike in emigration, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius believes. […]
Defence
Defence
In 2016, Lithuanian ground forces will become a force to be reckoned with
When Lithuania had huddled up under NATO’s wing, it felt more secure and even unconcerned as to where it would get more funding for its army or how it could modernize it. The events in Georgia and Ukraine, however, jolted the Baltic country out of its lethargy and forced it to look at how it can strengthen its armed forces. […]
Defence
New US troop rotation coming to Lithuania
A new rotation of US forces is arriving in Lithuania on Monday. The military unit, complete with Stryker armoured transporters, is the ninth American dispatch of troops to take part in joint training with the Lithuanian army. […]
Defence
Release of draftee lists hit by technical hiccup
The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence is releasing lists of potential draftees on Monday. Last minute changes due to a technical error will not delay the release. […]
Defence
Lithuania to reach agreement with Boxer IFVs supplier in July
Lithuania expects to conclude its deal with Artec over acquiring infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) Boxer in July, the country’s army chief Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas said. Before that, the army needs to finish talks with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) which will negotiate the deal with Artec on Lithuania’s behalf. […]
Defence
600 new military volunteers ahead of draft list publication on Monday
On Monday, the latest list of Lithuanian men selected for the draft will be published. Though the list will include 3,000 men, 600 have already volunteered to fill those positions. Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas expressed his hope that, in 2016, the Lithuanian military’s draft requirements will once again be met by volunteers. […]
Defence
Mix of conscript and professional soldiers best approach to army, says President
The best approach to maintaining an army for a country the size of Lithuania is a mixed conscript and professional army, according to Lithuanian President, Dalia Grybauskaitė. […]
Defence
Defence
Spain takes over NATO air policing mission in Lithuania from Hungary
A Spanish NATO contingent is taking over the Baltic air policing mission from the military base near Šiauliai, Lithuania from Hungarian fighter jets on Thursday. Belgian jets will replace German jets in Estonia as part of the rotating mission over the Baltic States. […]
Defence
NATO jets scrambled 160 times to protect Lithuanian airspace in 2015
Lithuania’s Defence Ministry said that NATO jets patrolling airspace over the Baltic Countries scrambled 160 times to intercept Russian planes in 2015, up 14% on the previous year. […]
Defence
Lithuanian armed forces transfers 500 automatic weapons to Riflemen‘s Union
The Lithuanian army is to transfer 500 AK-4s, the weapons currently used by Lithuanian soldiers, to the Lithuanian Riflemen‘s Union, a non-profit organisation supported by the State. […]
Defence
Second motorised infantry brigade to boost Lithuanian Land Forces
The Lithuanian Land Force in Western Lithuania are establishing a second motorised infantry brigade with its headquarters in Klaipėda. […]
Defence
New motorized infantry brigade will be formed in Western Lithuania in 2016
Starting on 1 January, 2016, a new motorized infantry brigade named Žemaitija will be formed in Western Lithuania. […]
Defence
Lithuania’s Javelin missiles will turn Russian tanks into ‘tin cans,’ report claims
Last week, it was officially confirmed that Lithuania will buy Javelin mid-range anti-tank systems from the United States for €50 million. The T-72 tank, widely used by Russian army and also used in Ukraine, is like a tin can when faced with a Javelin. More about the Lithuanian military‘s new purchase was revealed on an LRT TV programme about military weapons. […]
Defence
Defence
NATO jets scrambled twice over Baltics in past week
Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence has released data on interceptions of vessels and aircraft completed near the Baltic States‘ borders from December 21 to 27. Such reports, released every week or two, give insight into the frequency and nature of the Russian Air Force’s operations in the Baltic region. […]
Defence
Weapons deals up capacity of Lithuanian army to new level
Purchases of weapons and weapon systems by the Lithunanian army in 2015 have modernised and increased it capacity to a level it never had before, according to defence analysts. […]
Defence
500 automatic rifles for Lithuanian paramilitary volunteers from defence ministry
The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LŠS), a non-profit paramilitary organization whose volunteer members run and participate in various militarised training activities, has been granted 500 automatic weapons in an agreement with the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence. […]
Defence
Lithuania to send up to 130 soldiers on international missions in 2016-2017
Lithuania will send up to 130 soldiers to international missions in 2016-2017, parliament decided on Tuesday. […]
Defence
Lithuania to spend €50m on anti-tank missiles and launchers
Lithuania is planning to buy 220 javelin anti-tank missiles, along with 74 launch units, from the United States at a cost of over €50 million. […]