Lithuania orders L3Harris manpack radios and AeroVironment small drones
The new L3Harris radios will be integrated with Lithuania’s JLTVs. (Photo: Lithuania Ministry of Defence)
Lithuania’s Defence Materiel Agency (DMA) under the Ministry of National Defence (MND) will receive new uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) from AeroVironment in 2025 as well as L3Harris manpack (man-portable backpack) radios, which were ordered in 2024.
The DMA signed two deals on acquisition of L3Harris manpack radios worth approximately US$25 million at the end of 2024. The radios will be integrated in the country’s JLTVs and Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
The DMA also signed a deal with the US Government in mid-December for the purchase of small UAS from AeroVironment under a contract worth US$7.8 million.
Related Articles
Lithuania set for Leopards and CV90s following latest order of Boxers
The UAS will be integrated with Switchblade 600 UAS and are scheduled to be delivered this year, with more expected to be ordered.
Lithuania has been spending a lot on western equipment in recent months.
In October 2024, Lithuania’s State Defence Council approved the purchase of KNDS Leopard 2 main battle tanks and BAE Systems Hagglunds CV90 tracked IFVs. The approval followed an announcement earlier in October for the acquisition of an additional 27 ARTEC Boxer-Vilkas IFVs.
In September 2022, Lithuania announced it would also receive more full-rate production FGM-148 Javelin ATGMs by November 2026 as part of a $311.17 million contract modification.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin awarded $2.8 billion THAAD development contract
The contract amount for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System will support its continued development over the next five years, with two options to extend for up to 10 years.
-
Fourth European country opts for Euro PULS rocket artillery system as Germany signs up
When compared to the German Army’s M270 227mm (12 round) Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), Euro PULS will offer a step change increase in capability to meet the German Army’s Future Long-Range Indirect Fire System.
-
Germany takes first Boxer air defence vehicle and prepares for evaluation trials
The Skyranger air defence system for Germany is built around the Boxer 8x8, a platform which is in service with, or ordered by, six countries.
-
Oshkosh awarded $215 million in truck contracts
Oshkosh Defence has sold more than 2,000 Family of Medium Truck Vehicles (FMTV) A2 trucks and completed air drops of the M1093A2 (A2) FMTV trucks from Boeing C-17 heavy lift and Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical lift aircraft in 2024.
-
UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.