Lithuania has signed multiple contracts to procure manpack radios and small unmanned aerial systems from the US.
The deals cover the Switchblade 600 from AeroVironment valued at $7.8 million and manpack radios from L3Harris worth about $25 million.
This investment will bring Vilnius’ mid-term defense acquisitions from the US up to 20 percent of its total of around $1.3 billion.
Switchblade Drones, Tactical Radios
The Switchblade vertical takeoff drones will be used by troops for fire control and related tasks.
Shipment of the fleet will begin at the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, the radios will be equipped on the military’s existing Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) as well as the Vilkas-Boxer infantry fighting vehicles.
The delivery schedule of the communication capabilities was not disclosed.
Latest Procurements
Lithuania’s most recent purchases follow the Baltic state’s acceptance of night combat devices for soldiers worth 17 million euros ($17.7 million).
Last month, the country’s defense ministry approved the acquisition of over 40 Leopard main battle tanks from Germany as part of its goal to expand its armored battalions.
In November, Vilnius and German defense contractor Rheinmetall spearheaded the construction of a $190-million ammunition factory in Lithuania.
Concurrently, the Lithuanian government held a meeting with Taiwan and its local industry partners to explore joint drone development.