Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen Valdemaras Rupšys is conducting a visit to Germany this week to meet with German counterpart General Eberhard Zorn over the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, deterrence and defence plans, deployment of German forces in Lithuania, assistance to Ukraine, and new procurements.
Lithuania extensively and consistently cooperates with Germany in its efforts to upgrade the Armed Forces and acquire weaponry and equipment. Such acquisitions include the Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles, G-36 assault rifles and HK SFP9 pistols, a 10-ton truck project will be opened soon too to enhance logistical capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Other topics –joint international Exercise Fast Griffin, activity and development of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania – will be addressed with Lieutenant General Bernd Schütt, Commander of the Bundeswehr Operations Command. Germany has developed plans to invest in joint military infrastructure and munitions storing facilities, as well as a logistical facility in Rukla for the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group.
Friday Chief of Defence is scheduled to meet with ARTEC representatives at a KMW factory to discuss the progress made on the Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicle project and view the equipment available. Back in 2016 Lithuania signed a contract with the German-Dutch ARTEC GmbH and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) on acquisition of new Boxer IFVs, named Vilkas in Lithuania to honor the history of the nation and traditions of the military.
The IFVs that have already been delivered to Lithuania, have been dedicated to the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanized Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, and the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion has been given the vehicles as well since October 10.
Chief of Defence has also an informal meeting with military personnel of the Reservist Association of Deutsche Bundeswehr and representatives of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in Germany planned during the visit.
