Lithuania has signed a supplemental agreement with the US to procure an additional battery of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
The $280-million agreement includes the procurement of additional launchers with blank and live ammunition, including sets of guided missiles of different types, command, control, and communications equipment, and a logistical support and maintenance package.
Lithuania signed a $495-million deal with the US in 2022 to acquire eight HIMARS systems, with delivery expected to begin this year. Full operational capability is expected to be reached in 2027.
“HIMARS is a mobile American artillery system, used by 14 NATO and other partner nations, proven on the battlefield in Ukraine,” Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas said.
“The US allies committed to deliver the first battery before the end of this year; however, we think and invest forward to continue strengthening the defensibility of our country, enemy deterrence, and our ability to defend the eastern flank alongside the allies.”
The deal underscores Washington’s central role in Lithuania’s defense posture.
Over the last three years, Lithuania has purchased 2 billion euros ($2.35 billion) in US military equipment — the highest in the Baltics — ranging from Javelin anti-tank missiles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS, and AMRAAM missiles used with the NASAMS medium-range air defense system.
