Lithuania boosts defense with €188m ($213m) spend on 'Vilkas' IFVs
The Lithuanian government has approved a resolution proposed by the Ministry of Finance, allocating an additional 187.7 million euros (approximately $213 million) for the priority development of defense capabilities. These funds will be transferred as down payments to the Ministry of National Defense (MoD) for various purchases, including the infantry fighting vehicles "Vilkas." The number of these vehicles in service is set to increase by one-third. Let's explore what the Lithuanian "Wolves" are and their performance capabilities.
According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, the additional 187.7 million euros (approximately $213 million) will be used to purchase 27 "Vilkas" infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029, as well as NASAMS air defense systems, which are expected to arrive in Lithuania in 2028. The acquisition of the 27 "Vilkas" IFVs will increase their total number to 116 units, a substantial increase from the current 89 units, nearly 30% more.
Lithuania is currently one of the most heavily armed countries in the region in relation to GDP. Other notable purchases include CAESAR MK II howitzers and plans to buy Leopard 2A8 tanks, along with CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
German competitor of the Polish Rosomak among others
The GTK Boxer armored personnel carrier is the result of German-Dutch cooperation, with production managed by the ARTEC GmbH consortium, which includes Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall. The first units were delivered to users in 2009, and since then, the Boxer has gained international recognition, resulting in several orders.
Besides Germany, which ordered 531 vehicles, and the Netherlands with 200 units, clients also include Lithuania, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These vehicles come in many versions, and the Lithuanian variant is one of the most intriguing.
A mix of German and Israeli technology
The Lithuanian "Vilkas" is a strengthened and heavily armed variant of the wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. Its armament is mounted on an Israeli-made unmanned Samson RCWS turret, similar in design principles to the Polish ZSSW-30. This setup allows for reduced weight, as it doesn't need to be as heavily armored as manned turrets, and improved usability for the crew, who are situated within the hull.
It features a 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon with a firing rate of 200 rounds per minute, capable of using programmable ammunition that dramatically increases effectiveness against hidden targets or drones. Additionally, it has a 7.62 mm machine gun and a dual Spike-LR anti-tank guided missile launcher with a range of approximately 2.5 miles.
This enables the Lithuanian "Wolf" to effectively support a landing force of up to eight soldiers and, if necessary, engage even the best-armored Russian tanks.
