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Soldiers who had previously tested the SUVs praised the technical characteristics and practicality. However, comfort is sufficient for combat machines protected from debris.
“This acquisition by the United States is one of the most important steps in the modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We are very pleased that our military cooperation with the United States is growing and that together we can contribute to the security of the eastern flank of NATO. We are sending a strong signal to our allies that Lithuania cares and invests both in its own defense and in the defense of the Alliance as a whole, “said Deputy Minister M. Abukevičius.
The SUV presentation ceremony in Rukla was also attended by the United States Ambassador to Lithuania, Robert Gilchrist, the Commander of the United States Land Forces Security Support Command, Brigadier General Garrickas Harmonas and representatives of the leadership. from the Lithuanian Armed Forces, who confirmed that the new SUVs from JLTV will significantly strengthen existing military capabilities.
The first batch of JLTV SUVs to arrive in Lithuania: 50 units. They were transported from the United States to Germany, and from there they reached Lithuania by trawl nets. The first armored SUVs were received by the Lithuanian Armed Forces training units in Rukla and Kazlų Rūda, where the training of Lithuanian soldiers began. Today, several dozen SUV drivers and 15 mechanics have been trained.
JLTV is currently the world’s most modern tactical armored SUV with extremely advanced features. According to 2019. A total of 200 such SUVs will be purchased for the Lithuanian Armed Forces under an agreement signed between the Ministry of National Defense and the US government. The SUVs are manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, a company selected by the US government.
The JLTV SUVs are scheduled to be assigned to the Iron Wolf and Žemaitija battalions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, giving priority to the national rapid reaction forces.
“The JLTVs are technically advanced SUVs that provide a high level of protection to the crew. They will better protect our troops and ensure greater efficiency in intelligence, artillery and air strike support operations. The SUVs were manufactured according to the needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to ensure the fulfillment of both national defense tasks and international missions. JLTV will not only strengthen the capabilities of our army, but also improve the interaction between the Lithuanian and US forces, ”said M. Abukevičius.
The JLTV armored combat support SUVs purchased by the Lithuanian Armed Forces are part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization program, which also includes the purchase of Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles and PZH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. They will complement and renovate the SUV Park of the Lithuanian Armed Forces: HMMWV SUVs (“Hummer”) are still used.
The purchased SUVs will be equipped with turrets, equipped with 12.7mm M2 QCB machine guns. The SUVs that are currently being delivered do not have towers yet, they are available and installation work will begin shortly. SUV equipment, weaponry, personnel training, purchase and maintenance of spare parts, transportation, installation of equipment are part of Lithuania’s agreement with the US. Purchased JLTV SUVs, equipment, weapons, tools and parts of Spare parts will be delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in 2024.
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