The US has delivered the first HIMARS systems to Lithuania
This was reported by the UK Defence Journal.
During the event, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence and the American company Lockheed Martin also signed a joint statement on deepening cooperation in the defence and industrial sectors.
What the agreement entails
The document was signed by Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Vitalija Zumerienė, and Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Tactical Missiles, Gailia Campbell. The company stated that the cooperation involves the development of joint industrial capabilities and is part of a strategy to expand its international network of partners and suppliers against the backdrop of growing demand for defence systems.
Why HIMARS are important for Lithuania
HIMARS is a highly mobile rocket artillery system capable of firing high-precision munitions, including GMLRS guided rockets and ATACMS army tactical missile systems. In recent years, the system has been actively used in Ukraine, where it has been deployed for high-precision strikes over long distances. Lithuania has become the latest European country to receive HIMARS. According to Lockheed Martin, these systems are already in service with 14 NATO countries and Alliance partners. For Lithuania, this is of strategic importance due to its shared border with Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus. HIMARS allows the country to integrate its long-range capabilities with those of its NATO allies.
Statements from Lithuania and Lockheed Martin
Vitalija Zumerienė, Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, stated that the signing of the document and the opening of a Lockheed Martin office in Lithuania create new opportunities for cooperation between the state, business and the scientific community.
“Our goal is to attract new investment and ensure that Lithuania not only procures modern systems but also becomes part of the defence technology ecosystem,” she said.
Gayle Campbell, Vice President of Tactical Weapons at Lockheed Martin, emphasised the importance of HIMARS’ interoperability with allied forces.
“In today’s security environment, seamless cooperation between allies is critical. HIMARS integrates easily with NATO and partner forces,” said the Lockheed Martin representative.
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