TSAMTO, December 20. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense has announced the signing of a contract with the United States for the supply of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) M-142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems).
The signed contract provides for the purchase of 8 launchers with combat and training ammunition, including guided missiles of various types and ATACMS tactical missiles with a firing range of 300 km. The package for Lithuania also includes equipment for training and maintenance of systems, personnel training services, field artillery fire control Systems (IFATDS), integration with the NATO air and Missile defense System (NATINAMDS). The total cost of the purchase is estimated at $495 million. The first deliveries of the HIMARS MLRS are scheduled for 2025.
Currently, negotiations with the United States are moving on to the integration of HIMARS, including personnel training and maintenance.
At a meeting held on December 15 during a visit to Washington with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Minister of National Defense of Lithuania Arvydas Anushauskas stressed the special importance of the concluded contract for the National defense of Lithuania. According to the Lithuanian minister, the supplies should significantly increase the country's defense capability.
It is emphasized that HIMARS MLRS are purchased by all three Baltic countries and Lithuania intends to actively cooperate with Latvia and Estonia in the development of this potential.
During the meeting, the US Secretary of Defense reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening Lithuania's security through the permanent presence of American troops, and also thanked Lithuania for its military support and assistance to Ukraine.
As reported by TSAMTO, in November 2022, the US State Department approved the delivery to Lithuania under the Foreign Military Sales program of 8 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) M-142 HIMARS, 36 containers with M30A2 GMLRS guided missiles, 36 containers with M31A2 GMLRS guided missiles, 36 containers with XM403 extended-range guided missiles (ER GMLRS), 36 containers with XM404 extended-range guided missiles (ER GMLRS), 18 containers with M57 tactical missiles (ATACMS), as well as other related equipment and services worth up to $495 million.
Currently, there are no MLRS in the Armed Forces of the Baltic States. Last December, at a meeting in Kaunas, Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anushauskas, Estonian Defense Minister Kalle Laanet and Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks reached an agreement that all three Baltic countries would acquire MLRS for their armed forces.
In July 2022, the US State Department has already approved the potential supply to Estonia under the Foreign Military Sales program of 6 MLRS M142 HIMARS, as well as related ammunition, equipment and services worth up to $ 500 million.
