On June 6 Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška discussed cooperation on defence industry and participation of Israeli companies in Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization projects at a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Israel, procurement agency and RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD. In Tel Aviv.
According to Vice Minister, the contacts established between the Lithuanian and Israeli defence institutions are important and have the potential to grow. The projects in progress are for the long-term, therefore Lithuania needs maintenance and support for the acquired systems.
“At the meeting at the Ministry of Defence, we had a detailed discussion on the challenges in our bilateral cooperation, specifically, the projects for Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicle acquisition running behind schedule. We have been promised a thorough analysis and concrete solutions shortly,” said Vice Minister Vilius Semeška.
One of the largest projects for strengthening the Lithuanian Armed Forces, acquisition of the Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles, is still in progress. The Rafael company of Israel is the designer of Samson II turrets, one of the key components in the Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
The negotiations with Israel concern supply of weaponry components as well as upgrade of the present weaponry. Israeli companies have been involved in modernizing minethrowers used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces and improvement of the Lithuanian airspace defence.
Photo credit: MoD
