Lithuania has officially confirmed its purchase of German-made Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks and Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles. This significant investment is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s armed forces in response to growing security threats.
The decision was announced following a meeting of the State Defense Council (VGT). The acquisition of these advanced military vehicles is expected to bolster Lithuania’s defense capabilities and deter potential aggression.
The exact number of Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks Lithuania is acquiring has not been officially announced. In the past, the Minister of National Defense has said he aimed to add 100 tanks to its forces. However, other reports have indicated that it may be half that quantity.
As a neighbor of Russia and Belarus, Lithuania has faced increasing security concerns following the invasion of Ukraine. The tracked infantry combat vehicles are planned to equip two Lithuanian Armed Forces battalions. The new units are scheduled to be fully operational by 2030.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
