“The Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles is a priority project for the Ministry of National Defence, it completes one of the keystone stages of the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernisation. The first vehicles were delivered to Lithuania a year and a half ago; however, the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing a timely implementation of the schedule. The pace of delivery we have today is not satisfactory,” Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška said at the meeting.
Participants of the meeting agreed that it was understandable that the progress of this important project was affected by the global pandemic but the challenges had to be addressed operatively and flexibly, and thinking outside of the box was necessary.
“This visit in the time of the pandemic demonstrates how seriously the IFV manufacturers take their commitments, as well as their effort to complete the project as excellently as possible. We understand the integration of different systems in the manufacturing process of this procurement presents challenges. However, despite the situation, we and the manufacturer alike want the IFVs to be delivered to Lithuania on time and the shortfalls in the implementation process to be tackled as quickly as possible in order to only minimally interfere with the units’ ability to master this equipment and weaponry that are so important to us,” Vice Minister said.
The Vilkas IFV derivative is manufactured by German consortium ARTEC according to a set of requirements issued by the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The version made according to the Lithuanian requirements has Israeli-manufactured cannon turrets, U.S.-made 30 mm MK-44S cannons, Israeli-made Spike LR anti-tank missiles, and has more specialised integrated equipment and electronic systems. Implementation of the contract is carried out and overseen by the OCCAR.
The Vilkas IFVs will be assigned to two units of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf – the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion and the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion.
Lithuania is purchasing 88 Vilkas IFVs in total.
