“When completing the first phase of the infantry fighting vehicles, you need to think about (what to do – ELTA) with the money that is programmed for the second phase of the infantry fighting vehicles. Bearing in mind that tanks are still gradually appearing – how to make a deliberate way for infantry fighting vehicles to connect with tanks and work as a system – bearing in mind the discussion on whether they should be wheeled or tracked vehicles”, – on Wednesday after the meeting with President Gitan Nausėda L. Kasčiūnas told journalists.
“We are waiting for military advice. But soon the army will be ready to do it and apparently we will have more clarity on where we can move towards,” he said.
According to L. Kasčiūnas, the army should present its assessment within the next month.
“But we won’t linger in this place, we will have some solutions,” he assured.
However, the Minister of National Defense said that in the meeting held on Wednesday with the President and the Commander of the Army, Valdemars Rupšius, there was no discussion of detailed changes in the second phase of acquisition – there was no discussion about specific equipment, nor about its quantity, origin or price. However, L. Kasčiūnas noticed that after deciding to purchase tracked machines, it may require more allocations.
“We see the whole picture, understanding that tracked machines (machines – ELTA) are more expensive – they can be one and a half times more expensive,” the minister said.
“If the infantry fighting vehicle can’t keep up with the tank, it’s not good. We have to think to keep up and make the system work. Caterpillars are more efficient in this sense,” explained the conservator.
He also assured that for the time being, pending military advice, all scenarios regarding the second phase of acquiring infantry fighting vehicles are open.
“Everything is on the table. All scenarios and possibilities are on the table,” emphasized L. Kasčiūnas.
ELTA reminds that at the end of last year, the Ministry of National Defense (KAM) completed the purchase of Boxer infantry fighting vehicles. A total of 89 machines and two prototypes were purchased.
Two battalions of the “Iron Wolf” brigade of the Lithuanian army are fully equipped with these machines, also called “Wolves”. According to the Ministry of Interior, the entire Vilkų project cost Lithuania about 670 million. euros.
The Ministry of Defense also negotiated the second phase of the purchase of these machines – it was planned to purchase approximately 120 Boxer combat vehicles for the army.
Tags: military advice awaited phase procurement infantry fighting vehicles
