The United States is considering selling 84 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles to Lithuania together with the associated equipment, parts and logistical support. The total value of this sale is estimated to be around $ 599 million.
The M1126 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles can each transport up to nine persons and is armed with a 30mm cannon. Lithuania plans to use these vehicles to replace their old M113 armoured personnel carriers. 60 to 72 vehicles will be used to equip two battalions of Lithuania’s Mechanized Brigade.
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| Stryker M1126 ICV |
Analysis
Lithuania has been seeking ways to keep mechanizing its Land Forces. Earlier in May it negotiated the purchase of PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers as well as 8x8 Boxer armoured personnel carriers from Germany. The purchase was agreed at the end of September but Lithuania didn’t received the 8x8 Boxer.
Lithuania is now looking to the US in order to obtain modern armoured personnel carriers. These vehicles will give Lithuanian Land Forces greater mobility, speed and firepower. Lithuania, like the other Baltic States, still perceive Russia as their main enemy and are afraid of any Russian involvement like witnessed in Eastern Ukraine.
