In a bid to strengthen its alliance with Lithuania and help boost the country’s national defense, the US has donated combat-tested anti-tank weapons worth $10 million to the Lithuanian armed forces.
Through a press release, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said it has received M72 LAWs – a portable one-shot 66-mm unguided anti-tank weapon – from its American ally.
The donated weapon system will be used by the Baltic country’s National Defence Volunteer Force (NDVF), which has around 800 troops on active duty and 5,000 reservists.
“The new weaponry donated by our American allies will greatly enhance the firepower of the volunteer force – light infantry squads,” NDVF Commander Col. Dainius Pašvenskas said.
“The penetrating power of these anti-armor weapons is significant enough to effectively destroy armored or unarmored vehicles, bunkers, and other field engineering fortifications within a range of 200 – 300 meters. The weapon is convenient because it is lightweight and simple to prepare for use,” he added.
During the handover ceremony earlier this month, Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas thanked the US for its continuing investment in his country’s defense.
He described the US as Lithuania’s strategic partner in ensuring more effective defense and deterrence against aggression.
“I thank the United States, Lithuania’s strategic partner, for its assistance in developing the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” Anušauskas remarked. “US investments to strengthen our capabilities show that the United States sees Lithuania as an important defense policy priority.”