Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026
Lithuania is set to sign for CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, similar to those ordered by Estonia. (Photo: Estonian Centre for Defence Investments)
Lithuania is one of the countries stepping up its defences in the face of the war in Ukraine with a particular focus on its neighbour and Russian ally Belarus, which has been making incursions into Lithuania’s airspace with balloons and drones.
Lithuania will sign for Camion Equipé d’un Système d’Artillerie (CAESAR) self-propelled howitzers this week, marking an important step in the move to establish the Lithuanian 1st Division for the country’s Land Forces.
The contract is another notch on the belt for the French side of KNDS (KMW + Nexter Defense Systems), a company considered by the army and KNDS as the largest equipment supplier to Lithuania.
The division is planned to achieve initial operating capability next year and full operating capability (FOC) in mid-2027.
These details were revealed under Chatham House Rules at the Defence IQ Land Warfare
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans
In the past three months Milrem Robotics has signed cooperation agreements with Hanwha, EOS Defence Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and at Eurosatory 2026 with CNIM Systèmes Industriels and Frankenburg Technologies. The deals come as the company develops its Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS]()
Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS
Both Thales and GDELS shone a spotlight on their uncrewed and counter-drone efforts at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting the integration of mature technologies with stable C2 systems that are open to agnostic additions and expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
