As Lithuania develops the National Division with the deadline set on 2030, the State Defence Council has agreed to procurement of the PATRIA 6×6 wheeled armoured personnel carriers. The new Division capability is crucial for delivering on the Lithuanian Armed Forces operational requirements.
“This is a multirole platform compatible with air defence systems and capabilities, as well as paramedical and logistical objectives. This purchase is crucial for ensuring functionality of the National Division,” says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces identified the number of vehicles needed to ensure the operational capabilities of the National Division: the 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicles shall replace the currently used M113 armoured personnel carriers in manoeuvre, command post tasks, medical support, fire support, engineer support, communication, reconnaissance and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) safety.
Among the key criteria for platform selection were adherence to NATO standard, interoperability with the Allies, production deadlines, price and opportunity industrial cooperation. The latter will help to retain part of the cost to remain in the Lithuanian economy.
Contract is expected to be signed with a selected manufacturer in 2027, while the funds for wheeled armoured vehicle acquisition have been planned till 2036.
