Soldiers who had previously tested the SUVs praised the technical features and passability. However, comfort is enough for combat machines protected from debris.
“This acquisition from the USA is one of the most important steps in the modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We are very happy that our military cooperation with the United States is growing and that together we can contribute to the security of NATO’s eastern flank. We are sending a strong signal to our allies that Lithuania cares and invests both in its own defense and in the defense of the Alliance as a whole, ”said Deputy Minister M. Abukevičius.
The SUV presentation ceremony in Rukla was also attended by the US Ambassador to Lithuania Robert Gilchrist, the Commander of the US Land Forces Security Support Command Brigadier General Garrickas Harmonas and representatives of the Lithuanian Armed Forces leadership, who confirmed that the new JLTV SUVs will significantly strengthen existing military capabilities.
The first batch of JLTV SUVs that reached Lithuania – 50 units. They were transported from the USA to Germany, and from there they reached Lithuania by trawl. The first armored SUVs were received by the training units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in Rukla and Kazlų Rūda, where the training of Lithuanian soldiers was started. At present, several dozen SUV drivers and 15 mechanics have been trained.
JLTV is currently the most modern tactical armored SUV in the world with extremely advanced characteristics. According to the 2019. A total of 200 such SUVs will be purchased for the Lithuanian Armed Forces under an agreement signed between the Ministry of National Defense and the US Government. The SUVs are manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, a company selected by the US Government.
It is planned that the JLTV SUVs will be assigned to the Lithuanian Wolf Brigade Iron Wolf and Žemaitija Battalions, giving priority to the National Rapid Reaction Force.
“JLTVs are technically advanced SUVs that provide a high level of crew protection. They will better protect our troops and ensure greater efficiency in intelligence, artillery and support air strike operations. The SUVs were manufactured according to the needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in order to ensure the fulfillment of the tasks of both national defense and international missions. JLTV will not only strengthen the capabilities of our army, but also improve the interaction between Lithuanian and US forces, ”said M. Abukevičius.
JLTV’s combat support armored SUVs acquired by the Lithuanian Armed Forces are part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization program, which also includes the purchase of infantry fighting vehicles “Vilkas” and self-propelled howitzers PZH 2000. They will complement and renew the Lithuanian Armed Forces SUV Park – HMMWV (“Hummer”) SUVs are still used.
The purchased SUVs will be equipped with turrets, equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns M2 QCB. The SUVs currently delivered are still without towers, they are available and installation work will begin shortly. SUV equipment, armaments, staff training, purchase and maintenance of spare parts, transportation, installation of equipment are part of Lithuania’s agreement with the USA. The purchased JLTV SUVs, equipment, armament, tools, spare parts will be handed over to the Lithuanian Armed Forces by 2024.
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