More areas have been identified over the recent years for potential joint Baltic procurement, these include ammunition and modular medical capability, and the list is constantly updated. Yet another area for Baltic cooperation is finding ways of replenishing the defence capability stocks together needed as a result of support to Ukraine, as well as other defence industry-related challenges.
Joint procurement of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System
Lithuania and Estonia signed the agreement on acquisition of HIMARS with the United States in late 2022 and Latvia is planned to do the same this year. The first deliveries to the Baltic states are scheduled to take place in 2025. The Baltic states are also engaged in active collaboration in the negotiations with the U.S. concerning HIMARS integration elements, such as personnel training, maintained and sustainment.
The signed M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) acquisition contract covers procurement of 8 launchers with live and blank ammunition including different types and combat characteristic guided missile pods, for example, the ATACMS Army Tactical Missile Systems with the effective range of 300 km. Lithuania also procures training and system maintenance equipment, services for personnel training, system integration and connection with the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).
The deal is assessed to be worth approx. USD 495 million. The U.S. Government will place the order with the principal sale contractor, U.S. company Lockheed Martin. The acquired artillery rocket system is compatible with the other technologies used in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, therefore easier to integrate into the existing defence plans and thus step up deterrence.
Other joint Baltic acquisitions
Lin 2021 Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia signed a long-term anti-tank Carl Gustaff ammunition acquisition contract. Lithuania earmarks approx. EUR 52 million to acquire the anti-tank munitions of this type. Orders placed for it are updated on a yearly basis.
In late 2022 Lithuania and Estonia teamed up to sign two joint procurement contracts to acquire ammunition and medical equipment (ROLE1 and ROLE2). As a result of ongoing procurement procedure and pending signature, Lithuania will acquire medical equipment worth of approx. EUR 20 million and ammunition worth of approx. EUR 60 million.
Another ongoing project in the phase of negotiations is acquisition of patrol vessels together with Latvia. Lithuania’s preliminary part in the potential acquisition amounts to approx. EUR 20 million.
Acquisitions for the Lithuanian Armed Forces in 2023
The Defence Materiel Agency under the MoD has plans for arrangement and implementation or coordination of acquisition that amount to EUR 753 m in 2023. Major projects to strengthen the capability of the Lithuanian Armed Forces this year are: medium-range air defence systems (stage II), short-range mobile air defence Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense MSHORAD system, tactical man-portable and mobile electronic warfare systems, micro UAV systems, submachine guns.
Aside from the new ones, there are the key projects, strategic acquisitions to enhance the combat power of the Lithuanian Armed Forces already underway.
