The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Lithuania of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Launchers.

This was reported on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Preliminary agreements between the countries refer to eight self-propelled launchers, ammunition, related equipment, spare parts and the provision of technical support for the maintenance of these systems.

The total estimated cost of such a possible deal is up to $495 million.

Previously, the Lithuanian government asked the United States to sell eight M142 HIMARS launchers and ammunition for them. This list includes the following weapons:

• 36 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Missile Pods;
• 36 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary High Explosive (HE) Missile Pods;
• 36 XM403 Extended Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Missile Pods with IMPS;
• 36 XM404 Extended Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) Unitary Pods with IMPS;

The arsenal of the future Lithuanian HIMARS can be also supplied by 18 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Missile Pods.

The set of possible supplies includes training equipment and ammunition, as well as other related elements of program and logistics support.

This proposed sale would support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of a NATO member. Lithuania is an important force for ensuring stability in Eastern Europe.

The country seeks to use modern American weapons to update its own armed forces, expand its defense capabilities, and deter regional threats.

In September, it became known that Lithuania will allocate an additional €148 million on defense this year. This year’s defense budget of Lithuania will account for 2.52 percent of its GDP.

The money will be used to purchase armored vehicles, HIMARS rocket systems, radars, and ammunition.

According to Arvydas Anušauskashe, Defense Minister, the additional funds would be used to restore Lithuania’s military capabilities following the transfer of part of its own weapons to Ukraine.