{"id":12934,"date":"2022-12-25T08:17:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-25T06:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=12934"},"modified":"2025-05-01T21:05:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T18:05:02","slug":"lithuania-signs-495m-deal-with-us-for-himars-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/lithuania-signs-495m-deal-with-us-for-himars-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"Lithuania signs $495m deal with US for HIMARS systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lithuania has officially signed a $495 million contract with the United States to procure eight Lockheed Martin-built M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the<\/strong> Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The deal was signed during the meeting between Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anu\u0161auskas and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin on December 15 at the Pentagon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a huge step for our armed forces,\u201d Anu\u0161auskas said in Washington. He said the acquisition of the long-range rocket system is a new step towards a stronger Lithuanian military capability as it will significantly enhance the defensive power of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The first systems would reach Lithuania in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The signed M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS<\/span><\/a>) acquisition contract covers the procurement of eight launchers, 36 M30A2 guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) alternative warhead missile pods with insensitive munitions propulsion systems and 36 M31A2 GMLRS unitary high explosive missile pods, eighteen M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missile pods with an effective range of 300 kilometers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sale of weapons systems \u201cwill contribute to Lithuania\u2019s military goals of updating its capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies,\u201d the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency\u00a0(DSCA) said in its statement<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLithuania intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin with Lithuania’s Minister of Defense Arvydas Anu\u0161auskas at the Pentagon on December 15, 2022. (Image Credit: Lithuania Ministry of National Defense) <\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Lithuania also procures training and system maintenance equipment, services for personnel training, system integration, and connection with the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS). With the signing of the acquisition of this crucial system has been concluded, \u201cNow our talks with the U.S. proceed to address HIMARS integration \u2013 personnel training, maintenance,\u201d the Lithuanian defense minister said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. Defense Secretary Austin lauded Lithuania\u2019s robust defense spending<\/span><\/a> and welcomed the country\u2019s investment in new capabilities like the HIMARS. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the strength of the U.S.-Lithuania defense relationship and ongoing efforts to support Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also discussed shared security interests in Europe, including NATO\u2019s deterrence and defense posture, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Austin and Minister Anu\u0161auskas also exchanged views on Russia\u2019s cruel and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Austin thanked Lithuania for its substantial contribution to Ukrainian security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\uddf1\ud83c\uddf9DefMin @a_anusauskas<\/a> met w\/ @SecDef<\/a> Ll. Austin to discuss \ud83c\uddf1\ud83c\uddf9-\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 agreement on the acquisition of HIMARS, \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 military presence in \ud83c\uddf1\ud83c\uddf9 & support for Ukraine. The US continues to be a very active contributor to the defence of our region with troops, equipment & financial resources. pic.twitter.com\/HVagTUcdMX<\/a><\/p>— Lithuanian MOD \ud83c\uddf1\ud83c\uddf9 (@Lithuanian_MoD) December 16, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>