Lithuania purchases second HIMARS battery from the US

Lithuania has signed a contract extension with the US government to acquire a second High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) battery, the country’s Ministry of National Defence announced on Wednesday.

The expanded agreement, signed with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), includes additional launchers, combat and training ammunition—such as guided missiles of varying ranges—and command, control, and logistics support packages.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that HIMARS, a US-made mobile artillery system proven in Ukraine, is used by 14 NATO and partner nations. “Our allies have committed to delivering the first battery this year, but we are investing in the future, further strengthening our deterrence and collective defence capabilities on NATO’s eastern flank,” he said.

The combined value of both HIMARS contracts now totals approximately $778 million. US defence contractor Lockheed Martin will execute the deal.

According to the ministry, Lithuania has spent roughly €2 billion on US arms over the past three years, making it the largest buyer of American weaponry in the Baltic region. Recent acquisitions include Javelin anti-tank systems, JLTV armoured vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS air defence, and now two HIMARS batteries.