Lithuania, UK strengthen defence cooperation

UK and Lithuanian defence ministers have met to discuss the challenges of adapting the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for European nations.

The Oshkosh Defense JLTV is being rolled out across the US Army and Marine Corps, and both the UK and Lithuanian governments are considering the vehicle to meet national requirements.

Lithuania’s Vice Minister of National Defence, Giedrimas Jeglinskas, observed testing of the JLTV in Bedford while on a visit to the UK. The minister also met with representatives of the UK Ministry of Defence, the Belgian Defense Directorate General for Material Resources and representatives of the US Department of Defense JLTV programme to address options for integrating weaponry systems into the JLTV.

Topics of discussion between the Lithuanian and UK ministers included aspects of JLTV procurement carried out the by the UK, progress on the IFV Vilkas (Boxer) project, technological potential of enterprises of Lithuania’s defence industry and opportunities in the UK. Potential bilateral cooperation of both countries’ navies in procurement was also covered.