Lithuania with the new German missiles

The missiles received by Lithuania are intended for the Vilkas (Wolf) infantry fighting vehicles – as highlighted by the ministry in its statement dated 7 July this year. The platforms for which the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles have arrived are the Lithuanian version of the Dutch-German Boxer armoured personnel carrier. However, the Vilkas is equipped with an Israeli-made Rafael Samson MKII unmanned turret, armed with a 30mm Bushmaster II Mk44S cannon and a Spike launcher (which is compatible with both the LR and LR2 missile variants).

Due to their increased range (from 4 km for the LR version to 5.5 km for the LR2 version) and greater lethality, the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles are expected to bolster Lithuania’s anti-tank capabilities. In addition to armoured vehicles, the missiles are also intended for use against buildings, fortifications, bunkers, and other engineering defences.

The Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas, commented on the strengthening of ammunition stocks: „We are deterring Russia and ensuring peace in the country by further strengthening the Lithuanian Armed Forces and investing in ammunition stocks. There will be further deliveries of Spike LR2 missiles, as the Lithuanian Armed Forces must be prepared and supplied with modern ammunition to the greatest extent possible.”