Jaroslaw Adamowski writes that the potential acquisition would be part of the National Defense System Development Program for 2014 to 2023 to boost the Lithuanian land-based forces’ combat capabilities.
“The procurement… of infantry fighting vehicles is one of (the) long-term phases of the modernization of the Lithuanian armed forces, which will… increase Lithuania’s capacity to defend (itself) and to fulfill NATO commitments,” said Defense Minister Juozas Olekas.
Responses from the nine manufacturers are expected until mid-October in preparation for the 2015 contract awarding.
Adamowski reports that Lithuania currently has 224 operational M113 carriers and plans to provide the future IFVs for the Iron Wolf mechanized infantry brigade.