VILNIUS — March 16, 2026 : The Lithuanian Armed Forces have taken delivery of a new shipment of missiles and ammunition valued at more than €5.7 million, according to the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence. The equipment arrived at national defence warehouses this week and forms part of the country’s continuing effort to expand its military readiness and replenish key munitions stocks.
The shipment includes AIM-120B AMRAAM air-defence missiles, Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, and 5.56×45 mm NATO BALL ammunition used by infantry units. Lithuanian officials stated that the delivery supports both air defence operations and ground combat capabilities.
Reinforcement of Medium-Range Air Defence
The AIM-120B AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) interceptors included in the shipment are intended for use with Lithuania’s NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defence network. NASAMS provides medium-range protection against aircraft, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, the missiles will support Lithuania’s existing NASAMS units and future system expansions. Lithuania continues to expand its NASAMS inventory through several procurement phases signed in 2017, 2023, and 2024.
A new NASAMS battery is scheduled to enter service later in 2026, which will further strengthen the country’s layered air defence coverage. The AMRAAM family of missiles forms the core interceptor for these systems, enabling medium-range engagement capability.
Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas stated that the latest delivery is part of a broader effort to ensure adequate ammunition stocks and maintain operational readiness within the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
“We continue strengthening our air defence capability and investing in ammunition top-ups,” Kaunas said. “The AMRAAM missiles are used for medium-range air defence with the NASAMS, of which Lithuania will have a new battery in the course of this year.”
Anti-Tank Capability for Ground Forces
The shipment also includes Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, which provide precision engagement capability against armored targets and fortified positions. The Spike LR2 represents a fifth-generation anti-tank guided missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
These missiles are integrated with Lithuania’s Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), which serve as the primary armored platform for mechanized units of the Lithuanian Army. Integration of Spike LR2 missiles allows the vehicles to engage main battle tanks, armored vehicles, buildings, and other high-value targets at extended ranges during maneuver operations.
Lithuania previously received additional Spike LR2 missile deliveries in 2025, with batches valued at approximately €6 million each as part of the country’s ongoing anti-armor capability development.
Standard NATO Ammunition Supply
The delivery also includes 5.56×45 mm NATO BALL ammunition, the standard small-arms caliber used by Lithuanian infantry units. The ammunition supports rifles such as the Heckler & Koch G36, which is widely used across Lithuanian ground forces.
Maintaining supplies of NATO-standard ammunition ensures interoperability with allied forces deployed in Lithuania and across the Baltic region. The Lithuanian Armed Forces regularly replenish these stocks to support training, operational readiness, and joint exercises with allied militaries.
Broader Modernization Efforts
The recent delivery forms part of Lithuania’s wider defense modernization and logistics program aimed at expanding military capabilities and stockpiling essential munitions.
In 2026, Lithuania expects to receive several additional defence systems, including:
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The first battery of the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system
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Additional NASAMS air defence systems
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Giraffe short-range air surveillance radars
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The country’s first Twinvis passive radar systems
Lithuania has increased defence procurement in recent years as part of broader security planning within the Baltic region. The government is preparing to allocate nearly 6% of its GDP to national defence in 2026, one of the highest defence spending levels among NATO member states.
Minister Kaunas said that the latest delivery reflects Lithuania’s continued effort to maintain sufficient supplies and modern equipment for its armed forces.
“We are not losing pace: plenty of additional ammunition will be purchased to ensure excellent supply for the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” he said.
The newly delivered missiles and ammunition have been transferred to Lithuanian Armed Forces logistics warehouses, where they will be distributed to operational units as part of ongoing readiness and modernization initiatives.
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