TSAMTO, October 25. According to the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania, the government of the country has developed a draft state budget for 2022, according to which it is planned to increase spending on national defense by 128 million euros (7.1%) to 1.176 billion. euro ($1.367 billion).
As Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) reported on its website on October 11, the day before Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste announced at a press conference that defense spending would be increased from 2.03% of GDP in 2021 to 2.05% in 2022. She added that Lithuania's political parties support a gradual increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
According to the Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anushauskas, the increase in the budget will allow the implementation of the most important projects in the interests of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to continue. These include the purchase of a short-range air defense system; equipping units allocated to the operational subordination of NATO and the rapid reaction forces with infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in 2023; increasing mine warfare capabilities in 2024; providing the ability to inform about the maritime situation. In addition, Lithuania plans to purchase medium-range mobile radars in 2025 and complete the second phase of the purchase of infantry fighting vehicles and multi-purpose armored vehicles by 2031.
According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, the structure of the defense budget complies with NATO recommendations: no more than 50% of expenditures are directed to the maintenance of personnel and at least 20% to major acquisitions.
According to Jane's, Lithuania's defense budget for 2022 exceeds the previously planned level by 20.7 million euros, which makes it possible to ensure compliance with the NATO requirement to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense.
The modernization program of the Lithuanian Armed Forces includes the purchase of NASAMS air defense systems, the Vilkas BBM (Boxer) with an 8x8 wheel formula, JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) light tactical armored vehicles with a 4x4 wheel formula and Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers. Lithuania also plans to purchase a fourth Hunt-class minesweeper from the UK.
