Lithuania is going to buy Jehu-class patrol boats from Finland

Lithuania and Finland discussed selling of Jehu-class patrol boats for the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense needs.

Militarnyi reports about it with reference to the Lithuanian newspaper Delfi.

Agreement on their purchase should be signed shortly .

These Jehu-class boats are expected to enhance Lithuania’s coastal surveillance capabilities and fill the gap in action ability in the Curonian Lagoon (Baltic Gulf Lagoon, ed.).

The multi-purpose and fast Jehu class represents the latest capabilities of the fleet.

Ships can be used for transporting troops, medical and evacuation missions, landing, sea surveillance, escort, and combat and field supply missions.

The Ministries of Defense of Lithuania and Finland also updated the Memorandum of Understanding on Procurement Cooperation, which is meant for further strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation in armaments and defense technologies.

It will also facilitate exchange of information, development of research, and joint procurement.

“Different ties and formats unite Lithuania and Finland in defense, such as the Joint Expeditionary Force, the Baltic States, and the Nordic groups. This memorandum is another big step towards even closer cooperation and strengthening defense capabilities of both countries,” the statement said.

This memorandum was first signed in 2005 and was valid until 2015. Considering the ongoing changes in geopolitical situation and the call for further development of cooperation, Lithuania and Finland have updated the document on cooperation in the field of defense.

According to the ministry, Lithuania is already cooperating with Finland in acquiring management systems. Following the signing of the agreement in the end of 2016, the Lithuanian Armed Forces have launched development of the SitaWare combat management system with additional products from the Systematic company.

In 2017, another agreement was signed with the Finnish company Navielektro Ky regarding modernization of integrated maritime surveillance system and the software of the technical surveillance system. Agreement on modernization of the system for working with classified information is planned for this year.