Lithuania’s defensive capabilities are further strengthened with a signature of EUR 22.8 million contract on acquisition of antitank mines between the Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence and Eksplosita UAB. Also, a EUR 9 million contract with Lithuania’s LTMilTech UAB on acquisition of FPV strike drone payloads, specifically, fragment, lens and cumulative. All the acquired equipment will be produced in Lithuania.
“This decision is a significant step towards a stronger national defence industry. Development of local manufacturing capabilities is a proof of Lithuania’s defence sector is mature and able to contribute in ensuring Lithuania’s national security. It is also consistent with our aims to develop strategic sectors of ammunition and explosives production,” says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
Antitank mines are one of the most effective ways to prevent movement of hostile armored vehicles and maintain area control. It is effective enough to slow down or fully stop assault or armored mounted force and is a cost-effective option in defence against a larger force.
In expert view, mines are a budget-friendly tool that requires relatively small investment and can harm expensive enemy force significantly. One mine can disrupt a tank worth of millions of euros.
Acquisition of FPV strike drone payloads is also a vital cost-effective solution because such guided munitions can have a similar combat effect as guided missiles or manned aircraft. This type of equipment also significantly reduces the risk to personnel offering precision target neutralization but taking the operators out of direct danger.
