{"id":26059,"date":"2019-07-16T17:00:12","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T17:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2019\/07\/16\/in-russias-growing-shadow-lithuania-modernizes-its-defenses\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T22:07:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T22:07:47","slug":"in-russias-growing-shadow-lithuania-modernizes-its-defenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2019\/07\/16\/in-russias-growing-shadow-lithuania-modernizes-its-defenses\/","title":{"rendered":"In Russia\u2019s growing shadow, Lithuania modernizes its defenses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VILNIUS, Lithuania \u2014 As Russia builds up its military power in Kaliningrad and its Western Military District and gains influence with its neighbor Belarus, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/global\/europe\/2019\/04\/03\/lithuania-is-first-baltic-nation-to-sign-us-defense-cooperation-pact\/\" target=_blank>Lithuania <\/a>continues to invest a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/smr\/european-balance-of-power\/2017\/08\/28\/fear-factor-as-russia-looms-large-baltics-up-military-capacity\/\" target=_blank>great deal in the modernization of its defensive capabilities<\/a> with plans to increase defense spending in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spurred by Russia\u2019s annexation of Crimea, Lithuania embarked on an ambitious modernization plan for its military in 2014. By 2017, the country had doubled its defense spending to more than $800 million, which put it in the top 10 list of defense spenders among NATO allies, measured as a percentage of GDP. In 2016, for example, the country\u2019s investments amounted to one of largest increases within the Alliance, in relative terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while Lithuania reached the NATO-member commitment to spend 2 percent of its GDP on defense in 2018, it won\u2019t stop there, with goals to spend 2.5 percent by 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/outlook\/2018\/12\/10\/lithuanias-defense-minister-it-will-be-a-good-year-for-nato\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Karoblis-Lithuania_web.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Lithuania\u2019s defense minister: It will be a good year for NATO<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The end of the year is a traditional time to pause for reflection and take a moment to look ahead. Especially so, if the upcoming year brings an important milestone.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The country also made improvements last year in its acquisition process by standing up a new centralized system and defense resource agency in charge of procuring armaments and managing defense projects with a goal of transparency, according to a Lithuanian Ministry of Defense white paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the overall defense budget continues to rise, Lithuania is planning to spend 25 percent of it on modernization \u2014 a total of \u20ac2.5 billion \u2014 to include acquisition of weapons, equipment and the stockpiling of ammunition through 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithuania has embarked on a variety of big modernization projects, officials at the Ministry of Defense told Defense News on a recent trip with the Atlantic Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/land\/2017\/03\/10\/lithuania-to-acquire-boxer-vehicles-howitzers-nasams\/\" target=_blank> three largest acquisition programs<\/a> are the purchase of Boxer infantry fighting vehicles, a mid-range air defense system \u2014 the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System or NASAMS \u2014 and PzH2000 self-propelled howitzers from Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2019\/07\/15\/lithuanias-new-boxer-combat-vehicle-packs-a-punch\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IronWolfBrigadeFlag.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Lithuania\u2019s new Boxer combat vehicle packs a punch<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">Lithuania is embarking on a path to more power in its mechanized force as it receives its first of its Boxer infantry fighting vehicles.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The country took receipt of the first two Boxer IFVs last month, which were fielded to its mechanized infantry Iron Wolf Brigade, based at Rukla training center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The current scope of the IFV project is to field two mechanized infantry battalions\u2019 worth of the vehicles, but the country\u2019s ambition is to field IFVs to the entire brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Boxers are intended to replace the armed force\u2019s M113 armored personnel carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithuania is considering buying another round of IFVs but won\u2019t make a decision on requirements or a way forward until it has gathered lessons learned from the Iron Wolf\u2019s experience with the Boxer vehicles around 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The country is leaving its options open regarding possible requirements for a second IFV, which means whether those vehicles would be wheeled like the Boxers or tracked like the M113s has yet to be determined, according to a Lithuanian defense official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Russia builds it air defense systems, particularly stationing them close to home in Kaliningrad, Lithuania has focused harder on its own air defense at a variety of ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Raytheon and Kongsberg-made NASAMS will fulfill the country\u2019s medium-range air defense needs along with the integration of short- and very-short-range air defense assets that are interoperable with U.S. and other allied systems, a Lithuanian defense official said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The country already has the GROM air defense system \u2014 a man-portable system manufactured in Poland \u2014 and Stinger missiles integrated into its force structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithuania is investing over $150 million in the current NASAMS project, but plans to spend over an additional $130 million to reach full operational capability by 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the country would like to see the U.S. bolster its air defenses with Sentinel radars or Raytheon-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles. A defense official said such an enhancement through U.S. support would be \u201chighly appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The armed forces are also getting PzH200 howitzers from Germany. The Iron Wolf Brigade took receipt of the first two upgraded howitzers in December 2018. Overall the brigade will get 21 of the 155mm self-propelled systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the United States, Lithuania has decided to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/global\/europe\/2017\/11\/08\/lithuania-approaches-the-pentagon-over-buying-oshkosh-tactical-vehicles\/\" target=\"_blank\"> procure Joint Light Tactical Vehicles<\/a>, the U.S. Army\u2019s Humvee replacement, which was cleared for full-rate production in June after a six-month delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that the Army has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/land\/2019\/06\/21\/after-delay-army-clears-joint-light-tactical-vehicle-for-full-rate-production\/\" target=_blank>approved full-rate production for the JLTV<\/a>, it is expected that exports could ramp up soon. Slovenia has already placed an order for a small number of JLTVs, and it\u2019s likely the United Kingdom as well as Lithuania will be future customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ministry of Defense is hoping to sign a contract with the United States for roughly 200 JLTVs by the end of the year, an official said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithuania is considering a follow-on purchase of additional JLTVs \u2014 possibly up to 300 more \u2014 after the first lot is under contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the country has been focused on increasing its firepower, land-based mobility and air-defense capabilities, it is also considering the possible procurement of utility helicopters to replace its Soviet Mi-8 helicopters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The U.S. Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky manufactured UH-60 Black Hawk could be a contender, but the country is only in the investigation phase of the program, according to a defense official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithuania is also in the market to replenish its ammunition stocks. The country\u2019s inventory fell particularly during the financial crisis beginning in 2008, when the defense budget decreased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And some of types ammunition, particularly in the larger calibers, will age out before use based on the current training program schedule, an official noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ministry is engaged in a large effort to reduce the shortage gaps and with the increase in the budget, Lithuania is beginning to invest heavily in replenishment of stocks and training ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Lithuania is benefiting from a U.S. decision to allocated $100 million to bolster munition in the three Baltic states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simulation is also helping Lithuania manage its training-ammunition shortage. \u201cLithuania has prepared and is continuously revising simulation plans for training purposes,\u201d an official wrote to Defense News following the trip. \u201cSimulation systems are also procured for the newest equipment and vehicles that will be shortly received by our Armed Forces.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it\u2019s not enough just to modernize equipment, so Lithuania is also investing in the ability for its military and its allies to maneuver seamlessly into and through the country, as a timely response in a crisis is as important as the weapons that would arrive to a fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithuania is working to improve faster re-loading from European to Eastern railway gauges and is upgrading heavy-weight platforms to accommodate the entry of tanks, which Lithuania does not have in its own inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The country is also supporting the European gauge railway which will reach up to the intermodal terminal in Kaunas, in central Lithuania. The line will be ready to support the U.S. Army exercise Defender Europe in 2020. The railway line extension will allow allied armored forces to load trains at Belgian or Dutch seaports and unload them in the middle of Lithuania without stopping to switch gauges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Lithuania is improving unloading capabilities at key locations such at the central training area in Pabrade through a joint project with international cooperation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lithuania is meeting NATO defense spending goals with plans to increase that spending in the coming years, which could mean additional infantry fighting vehicles, new helicopters and more humvees.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":58147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":14,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[104,160,46,11,14,36,30],"tags":[],"coauthors":[3330],"class_list":["post-26059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-modern-nato","category-daily-news-roundup","category-europe","category-global","category-land","category-newsletters","category-smr"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"UQXZT56GNNANFKAOKXYG2A2SFU","arc_canonical_url":"\/land\/2019\/07\/16\/in-russias-growing-shadow-lithuania-modernizes-its-defenses\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>In Russia\u2019s growing shadow, Lithuania modernizes its defenses - Defense News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lithuania is meeting NATO defense spending goals with plans to increase that spending in the coming years, which could mean additional infantry fighting vehicles, new helicopters and more humvees.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"In Russia\u2019s growing shadow, Lithuania modernizes its defenses\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Lithuania is meeting NATO defense spending goals with plans to increase that spending in the coming years, which could mean additional infantry fighting vehicles, new helicopters and more humvees.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2019\/07\/16\/in-russias-growing-shadow-lithuania-modernizes-its-defenses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Defense News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-07-16T17:00:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-07T22:07:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jen Judson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jen Judson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\n\t    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n\t    \"@graph\": [\n\t   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