Lithuania inks $280M deal with US for 2nd HIMARS rocket artillery battery

Lithuania has signed a $280 million agreement with the US for a second HIMARS rocket artillery battery, the country’s Defense Ministry said.

The deal, concluded between the US government and Lithuania’s Defence Material Agency, amends an existing contract and covers the acquisition of additional launchers, combat and training ammunition, guided missile systems, as well as command and communication equipment, and logistics and training packages for the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The contract will be implemented by Lockheed Martin, the Lithuanian news agency LRT reported on Wednesday.

Lithuania had previously signed a $495 million deal with Washington in 2021 for eight HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) units. With the latest agreement, the total value of contracts for the first and second batteries has reached around $778 million.

Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said the purchase is part of efforts to strengthen national defense and deterrence.

“Our US allies have committed to delivering the first battery this year, but we are investing in the future to further strengthen the country’s defense, deterrence and our ability to defend the eastern flank alongside our allies,” he said.

The first HIMARS battery is expected to arrive in Lithuania this year, with the systems projected to reach full operational capability by 2027.

The ministry added that Lithuania has purchased around €2 billion (about $2.3 billion) worth of military equipment from the US over the past three years, making it the largest buyer of US arms in the Baltic region.