The Javelin anti-tank systems the United States transfers to Lithuania is a particularly significant boost to the Lithuanian defensive capabilities, long-term combat capability of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the deterrent effect.
The United States is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key allies for the security in the Baltic region. It contributes actively to the implementation of the assurance measures in the Baltic states and security and stability of the region. The U.S. actively supports our regional security with manpower, equipment and funds. Financial support for strengthening the defence capabilities of European countries, including Lithuania, and for improving military infrastructure is consistently increased every year under the European Deterrence Initiative. The U.S. is also one of the main partners in arms procurement. Lithuania has contracts with the U.S. Government for 200 items of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and 4 Black Hawk helicopters.
The Javelin medium-range anti-tank missile system is and advanced weapon capable of destroying modern, explosive reactor armour (ERA)-fitted main battle tanks in daylight and at night at a distance of 75 metres – 2.5 kilometres. The system uses “fire-and-forget” principle: when the target is locked and a missile is fired, it guides itself all the way to the target, which increases protection of the unit since it can change its location without having to wait for the missile to hit its target.
