Lithuania to create first tank battalion with latest Leopard 2 and IFVs

Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurinas Kasciunas has announced plans to create the first Lithuanian tank battalion and purchase new German Leopard 2 tanks.

Here's What We Know

Currently, the Lithuanian Armed Forces do not have a separate tank unit, but this will change with the formation of a new battalion that will be equipped with German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks. To complement these tanks, the Lithuanian military plans to purchase tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), which will increase operational synergy and efficiency across different territories.

Minister Kasciunas explained that this decision is extremely important for his country.

"We are moving forward with the tracked vehicles because we are forming a tank battalion," he said, noting that the formation will take place in stages, with one company at a time. The first tanks are expected to arrive in Lithuania by 2027.

Lithuania has previously operated Vilkas wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, purchased during the first phase of the BMP procurement programme. However, these vehicles cannot "compete" with main battle tanks in off-road conditions.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence is currently in the process of analysing and negotiating the purchase of additional BMPs. This follows a 2016 Lithuanian contract for 88 Boxer BMPs and a subsequent plan to purchase another 120 units. The specific type of BMP for the second phase is still under consideration.

Source: Defence Industry Europe