Lithuania seeks to purchase armored vests without public procurement

Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence (KAM) plans to purchase armored vests for the Lithuanian military without a public procurement process, according to a report by BNS.

The vests would be supplied by Safariland Lithuania through the Defence Resource Agency. The ministry has requested government approval for the exemption, citing an EU treaty provision that allows member states to take necessary measures to protect essential security interests related to arms, ammunition, and military equipment.

KAM states the exemption is justified to strengthen the military’s combat capability amid regional security concerns, requiring urgent action to equip soldiers with life-saving gear. The vests are specified to meet the highest Level IV protection standard set by the US Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice, shielding against various military projectiles.

Sourcing from Safariland Lithuania would ensure local production, avoiding supply chain disruptions during crises or mobilization. The ministry argues that public procurement would not guarantee the selection of a specialized manufacturer, while domestic production allows for customization and faster maintenance.

The Defence Resource Agency would acquire at least 12,000 sets of armored vests, though the allocated budget remains undisclosed as restricted information.

Safariland Lithuania was the only viable supplier, according to KAM, as other local companies lack the necessary technological capabilities. The company previously participated in a 2023 public tender for armored vests, which collapsed after all bids, including Safariland Lithuania’s, were rejected for failing to meet documentation requirements.

Records show Safariland Lithuania is fully owned by The Safariland Group Nederland, registered in the Netherlands, which in turn is owned by The Safariland Group Hong Kong Limited, based in Hong Kong. The ultimate beneficiary is US businessman Warren Kanders. Despite indirect control by a Hong Kong-based entity, KAM states that security assessments found no threat to national interests.

“Competent institutions evaluated the potential threat posed by Safariland Lithuania to national security interests. Currently, there is no information indicating a threat,” the ministry told BNS.