Defence
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. […]
Defence
Lithuanian defense ministry’s new emergency survival guide now has colourful pictures
At the beginning of the year, Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence released a booklet for civilians and military personnel alike called Prepare to Survive Emergencies and War with tips on surviving hostile invasions and other calamities. Now, the ministry has released an updated version with new illustrations by Lithuanian illustrator and animator Ilja Bereznickas that contrast with the book’s serious nature. […]
Defence
Volunteers may fill all military conscription posts in 2016
Defence Minister Juozas Olekas said that he expects all 3,000 places for compulsory military service to be filled by volunteers next year. […]
Defence
Defence chiefs defend Boxer deal as best option
Lithuania won a reduction of a third on the initial price of the Boxer armoured fighting vehicles it ordered, said Defence Minister Juozas Olekas on LRT programme Dėmesio centre. However, they were still the priciest option. […]
Defence
Lithuanian parliament endorses extending military conscription
The Lithuanian parliament on Thursday endorsed a proposal on reinstating military conscription beyond 2020, although prime minister and defence minister remain unconvinced. […]
Defence
‘Russia using Syria as testing ground for its military’
Russia is using the conflict in Syria as a testing ground for its military, which represents a growing danger for Lithuania, says the chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence, Artūras Paulauskas. […]
Defence
Draftees failing to report will face fines or prison
A new list of candidates for the military draft will be compiled in three weeks, the Ministry of National Defence announced on Monday. However, people who were on the old list but have not reported for medical check-ups will not get off the hook and will be hit with fines. […]
Defence
Boxer deal bonanza for Lithuanian businesses
The biggest military purchase in the history of the Lithuanian army will present plenty of opportunities to local entrepreneurs. After the Lithuanian government decided to open talks on acquiring almost one hundred German Boxer infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), negotiators say they will try to secure maintenance contracts for Lithuanian companies as part of the deal. […]
Defence
Over 850 conscripts to begin serving in Lithuanian army
On 14-16 December, over 850 conscripts are beginning to serve in the Lithuanian military after the last stage of draft. Another 50 conscripts will be deployed to military units in the first week of 2016. […]
Defence
Lithuania picks German Boxer IFVs for EUR 400m armament upgrade
Lithuania will open talks with German manufacturers over to purchase Boxer infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) for the country’s military, the State Defence Council (VGT) decided on Friday. […]
Defence
Defence minister pleased with substantial military spending rise
Defence Minister Juozas Olekas has welcomed the 2016 budget passed by parliament on Thursday which raises defence spending by one third. […]
Defence
New combat vehicle offers for Lithuanian military from French weapons manufacturer
French weapons manufacturer Nexter has offered infantry combat vehicles with two types of gun system configurations – 30 mm guns or a latest-generation remote-controlled Nexter 40 mm cannon – to the Lithuanian military. […]
Defence
Russia using ‘illegal schemes’ to fund propaganda in Lithuania, MP says
After hearing a report from the State Security Department (VSD) about how Russia disseminates propaganda in Lithuania, MP Artūras Paulauskas, chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence, says that illegal methods are used to fund media outlets and recruit journalists. […]
Defence
Lithuanians baffled after being mentioned in IS video
A recent propaganda video, said to be produced by Islamic State (IS), names 60 countries as enemies of the terrorist organization. The flags of Lithuania and Estonia, too, briefly flash in the video, making it the first time that the Baltic states have been mentioned as targets of Islamic State terrorists. […]
Defence
MP submits proposal to expand Lithuania’s armed forces
Chairman of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence Artūras Paulauskas has suggested that in 2021 the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf would be supplemented with a logistics battalion, while the Motorised Infantry Brigade, with a motorised infantry battalion and an artillery battalion. The changes were proposed, according to Paulauskas, in response to the geopolitical situation, threats to national security and the necessity to boost Lithuania’s defensive capabilities. […]