The Lithuanian government is considering amending its defense procurement plan to prioritize the purchase of air defense systems and postpone the purchase of tanks.

ERR reported on this.

A corresponding proposal was made by Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas, who believes that a tank company should be created first instead of the planned tank battalion, and the money released should be used to strengthen air defense.

Lithuania will be able to purchase two additional medium-range air defense systems this year, while the current plan provides for their purchase only in ten years.

According to Kasčiūnas, the tank unit may be increased to battalion size later.

The defense minister’s proposal was supported by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who called it reasonable given that air defense remained the most scarce resource in NATO countries.

“Therefore, investments in air defense would best meet both our own wishes and the wishes of our allies, who need it most… Tanks can wait, but air defense is needed today,” he said.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that any changes in the plans should’ve not led to a shift in the timeline for the formation of the 17,000-18,000-strong division, which should’ve been completed by 2030.

In addition, the Lithuanian government wants to create a special fund to finance defense spending.

Lithuania buys tanks

On January 23, Militarnyi reported on the approval of the purchase of German Leopard 2 tanks to strengthen the Armed Forces of Lithuania.

The main battle tanks are to be purchased for a division to be created in the country to strengthen its military capabilities. The plan for its creation was presented in March 2023.

The Defense Council also approved the creation of an artillery regiment as part of the new division. An air defense unit and an engineer battalion will become regiments.

Last year, Militarnyi reported on Lithuania’s plans to purchase dozens of main battle tanks. About €2 billion will be allocated for this.

Lithuania’s preliminary maximum requirement for tanks is 54 units. The planned purchase of these combat vehicles will be the country’s largest defense purchase.

Last November, it became known that Germany was in talks with the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, and the Netherlands about the possible supply of Leopard 2A8 tanks. The tanks can be delivered within the recently concluded Bundeswehr framework contract for Leopard 2A8 tanks.