As upgrading of Lithuanian Armed Forces capabilities continues, the Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence signed a contract on January 20 with Silberauto UAB, authorised representative of Daimler AG German manufacturer in Lithuania, on procurement of AROCS customised platform vehicles and container trucks. Four automobile manufacturers had made bids in an open tender procedure25 trucks will be bought over four years. The value of the contract is approximately EUR 10 million including VAT. The sum covers not only trucks customised to military use, with hydraulic loading system, cargo transportation platform, and container loading system, but also the logistic package – special tool and computer diagnostic software kits, etc.
The trucks can be fitted with additional armoured protection from mines and ballistic threats, the vehicles will be used for transporting ammunition of the PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery systems, containers, other vehicles, equipment, and other military necessities.
Up to 16 tonnes of load-capacity tactical trucks will be given to the Lithuanian Land Force and other units. The first trucks are expected to be delivered within 12 months.
Lithuanian Armed Forces vehicle fleet is also being replenished by acquiring ZETROS 3643 trailer trucks of Daimler AG German manufacturer, first four were delivered in the end of last year, another four are planned to arrive this year. The Lithuanian Armed Forces has also already received the majority of the bought 340 tactical 5-tonne UNIMOG U5000 trucks of Daimler AG. . Also, Mercedes-Benz ATVs, DAF trucks and road tractors, transport trailers, hitches, other vehicles of different roles are procured bilaterally from the Netherlands Armed Forces on the basis of already signed contracts and a planned new contract.
A turning point in financing the National Defence System came in 2014, the increase allowed to begin fundamental improvement of the Armed Forces – progress to a new defence concept that would allow Lithuania to have Armed Forces capable of responding within the shortest while in case of a crisis or war. With a significant and consistent defence financing on hand, the Lithuanian Armed Forces is currently undergoing intense upgrading in the sectors of weaponry and infrastructure in order to increase its combat power. Major ongoing modernisations projects are the following: integration of the Vilkas/Boxer infantry fighting vehicles and the PzH 2000 howitzers, enhancement of air defence (NASAMS medium-range air defence systems), procurement of Black Hawk helicopters, significant improvement of logistical, individual provisions for military personnel, replenishment of the current capabilities (UNIMOG trucks, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV), and other acquisitions).
Related image: PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery systems procured by the Lithuanian Armed Forces (credit: Corporal Vaiga Zalatoriūtė)
