Lithuania to Spend $1.3B on Modern Soldier Program Over Next Decade

The Lithuanian government plans an investment of up to 1.2 billion euros ($1.33 billion) to equip its soldiers with modern weapons and equipment over the next decade.

A total of 30 million euros ($33 million) will be spent over the next two years under the modern soldier equipment program, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said last week.

“We plan to spend almost 30 million euros on various equipment, clothing and weaponry for the period 2025–2027,” Lithuanian National Radio and Television quoted Kasciunas as saying. 

“The amount will reach 1.2 billion euros over the next ten years. We are constantly striving to review, strengthen, increase and accelerate the implementation of the modern soldier program.”

Phased Upgrade

Vilnius allocated an additional 130 million euros ($144 million) for defense last week, including 20 million euros ($22 million) for the program.

The amount will be spent for the purchase of FN MINIMI 7.62 MK3 light machine guns, night vision devices, and laser sights, the defense minister added.

A total of 30,000 soldiers are planned to be equipped under the procurement by 2025, 70,000 by 2027, and 77,000 by 2030, according to Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaiksnoras.

In a related development, BROLIS LP5X close combat laser sights were purchased by the Lithuanian military for around 22 million euros ($24 million) last month, with delivery expected this year through 2026.

Modern Soldier Equipment Program

The three-part soldier program entails weapons, equipment, and clothing.

Equipment includes body armor, ballistic helmets, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protective gear, protective goggles, and hearing protection.

Depending on the mission, a soldier could be armed with an automatic rifle, a sniper rifle, or a machine gun equipped with optical and laser sights, and night vision devices.

Clothing includes field uniform sets and other outwear depending on weather conditions, field boots, and underwear adapted for different climates.

Additional equipment includes entrenching tools, compasses, flashlights, backpacks, sleeping bags, and pouches for grenades and essential gear.