Lithuania’s new defense minister, Dovile Šakaliene, went on her first foreign visit after taking office on Monday. During her visit to Berlin, she signed an agreement on the purchase of tanks, informed the press secretary of the minister, Igns Grinevičs.
“The contract for “Leopard” is the largest in the history of Lithuania. It is a decisive milestone in the modernization of our armed forces and the promotion of regional security. These tanks will open up opportunities to strengthen the integrity and compatibility of the Lithuanian and German armed forces,” Šakaliene said.
Lithuania has committed to purchase 44 tanks from Germany. After the increase in defense spending, negotiations are underway for an earlier delivery deadline, the ministry informed.
“During the meeting with [tanku ražotāja] We discussed the ability of the industry to produce and supply tanks until 2030 with the head of KNDS. We will continue negotiations in Lithuania in the near future,” said Šakaliene.
Lithuania decided to buy German-made tanks earlier this year in an effort to develop its national division. The procurement is likely to be phased in to speed up the acquisition of anti-aircraft weapons.
According to the initial agreement, it is expected that the first tank company will arrive in Lithuania in 2029, while a full battalion will be formed in 2034.
Lithuania wants to speed up the delivery of tanks, as its goal is to create a fully operational national division by 2030. However, defense officials estimate that at the current level of funding, this goal could be achieved only in 2036-2040.