Lithuania has received a batch of guided missiles for Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems worth almost $17 million.

The press service of Lithuania’s Ministry of Defense reported on this.

A batch of American-made missiles arrived this week.

The Lithuanian Army’s ground forces will be armed with them.

The approximate cost of the received weapons is $16.6 million.

“The United States is a strategic partner of Lithuania and one of the main allies ensuring the security of the Baltic region. The Javelin anti-tank systems received and purchased from the United States undoubtedly contribute to a long-term increase in the combat capabilities of the Lithuanian army and increase the deterrent effect,” National Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas stated.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense noted that the replenishment of the Lithuanian army’s Javelin ATGM stocks is very important due to the extremely difficult geopolitical situation in the region after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In December 2021, the Lithuanian Defense Resources Agency signed an addendum to the contract for the purchase of Javelin anti-tank systems with the US government.

Within this agreement, ATGMs will be transferred to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in batches between 2024 and 2028.

This year, the Lithuanian army will also receive the Switchblade 600 loitering munitions from the American company AeroVironment.

Javelin

The Javelin ATGM is a third-generation portable anti-tank missile system produced by the joint venture Javelin Joint Venture of the American companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It is designed to destroy armored vehicles and can also affect other targets.

The FGM-148 missile has an infrared homing, so the operator of the anti-tank system does not need to guide and adjust the missile’s flight after launch, as it does so itself.