Lithuania Approves Procurement of Leopard 2 Tanks to Strengthen Armed Forces
VILNIUS – In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Lithuania’s State Defense Council has formally approved the procurement of Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The decision was made during a meeting on Tuesday, marking a strategic shift for the Lithuanian Army which had been evaluating various options over the past year.
The German-made Leopard 2 tanks were selected over their American and South Korean counterparts, the Abrams and Black Panther, respectively. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas announced that this acquisition aims to enhance the Lithuanian Army’s armored battalion, which will be complemented by additional support vehicles, including tracked infantry fighting vehicles.
“We have received the information provided by Germany regarding the preliminary cost of the tank project and a final decision has been made to purchase the German Leopard 2 tanks,” Kasciunas stated. “It is planned to sign an agreement on the creation of tank battalions in the near future.”
While the specific number of Leopard 2A8 tanks to be acquired has yet to be officially confirmed, estimates suggest that Lithuania is looking to procure approximately 50 tanks. The Lithuanian government plans a staggered purchase to ensure it can also fund other defense initiatives, particularly air defense systems.
In addition to the tanks, the State Defense Council has proposed acquiring CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles to outfit two battalions. The Ministry of Defense has tasked the Minister of National Defense to initiate the acquisition process for the CV-90s and to establish a framework for potential collaboration with local industry.
“The decision by the VGT (State Defense Council) reflects our commitment to enhance the operational capacity of our forces while ensuring compatibility with NATO standards,” the Ministry of Defense’s statement read. “Once proposals from manufacturers are received, they will be presented to council members for final approval.”
This procurement initiative underscores Lithuania’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities and address security challenges in the region.
