Representatives of the Ministry of National Defence discussed progress made on the project of acquiring VIlkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles with their manufacturer ARTEC and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) which mediates in the procurement. A Solutions Plan was signed at the meeting at the Ministry of National Defence, an OCCAR and ARTEC document, which provides for extension of the guarantee period for the delivered IFVs, modifications to reception procedures, etc.
As it is a new tactical vehicle system that is acquired, there have been a few challenges in the manufacturing process where different systems had to be integrated.
According to Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška, the infantry fighting vehicle manufacturing process has not been halted but the new vehicles are not delivered to Lithuania because of the detected defects: solving that issue requires more time. The global pandemic and consequently discontinuing supply chains also play a role. The manufacturer works hard to ensure that the project is implemented fluently and Lithuania would receive combat equipment that meets top quality standards.
The Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles are made by German consortium ARTEC according to specific requirements of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The vehicles are equipped with Israeli-made turrets, U.S.-made 30 mm MK-44S cannons and Israeli-made anti-armour Spike LR missiles, as well as with other specialized equipment and electronic systems. Implementation of the contract is supervised and implemented by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.
The Vilkas vehicles will be dedicated to two units of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf: Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised and the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Batallion.
Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis/MoD, Algirdas Battalion
