Stars and Stripes
December 16, 2022
Lithuania gets defense boost with purchase of American HIMARS rocket systems
Lithuania has finalized a deal to procure eight high mobility rocket systems in a move aimed at enhancing defensive capabilities in the Baltics, the country’s top defense official said this week during a visit to the Pentagon.
The $495 million acquisition is the latest high-profile sale of the Lockheed Martin-manufactured HIMARS system, which has gained cachet with allies due to its effective use against Russian forces in Ukraine.
[Defense Minister Arvydas] Anusauskas met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who praised Vilnius’ efforts to upgrade its military and also reaffirmed a U.S. commitment to keep a steady American presence in Lithuania.
“I understand that you’re working to increase your country’s ability to host allied forces, and we appreciate those steps as well,” Austin said. “And the United States remains committed to a persistent rotational U.S. force presence in Lithuania.”
In late November, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, known as the Ghost Battalion, out of Fort Hood, Texas, was the latest U.S. Army unit to rotate into Lithuania for a nine-month mission.
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“We are happy to see U.S. boots on Lithuanian soil,” Anusauskas said.
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Austin praised the Lithuanians for providing military support and training to Ukrainian troops.
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Lithuania’s increasingly prominent role in the alliance will be on display next summer, when heads of state hold a NATO summit in Vilnius.
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