In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, Lithuania is taking bold steps to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in response to potential threats from Russia. On August 19, 2025, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced the delivery of a new batch of Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, integrated into its Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Lithuania’s ongoing military modernization program, aimed at enhancing its deterrence capabilities against Russian armored fleets, especially in the strategically critical Suwałki Gap. This blog post delves into the significance of this development, the technical prowess of the Vilkas IFVs, and the broader implications for NATO’s eastern flank.
The Vilkas IFV: Lithuania’s Armored Backbone
The Vilkas IFV, a Lithuanian variant of the German-Dutch Boxer armored vehicle, is a cornerstone of the country’s land forces modernization. Manufactured by the ARTEC consortium, comprising Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the Vilkas is designed to meet the specific needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Equipped with the Israeli-made Samson Mk II turret from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Vilkas boasts a 30mm MK-44S Bushmaster II cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and the newly integrated Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
The Vilkas is powered by an MTU 8V199 TE20 diesel engine, delivering 530 kW, enabling a top speed of 105 km/h and an operational range of 1,000 kilometers. Its modular design allows for versatility across various roles, including troop transport, command, logistics, and medical evacuation. The vehicle’s advanced protection systems provide robust defense against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ballistic threats, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield.
With over 110 Vilkas IFVs in service or on order, Lithuania’s “Iron Wolf” Mechanized Infantry Brigade is increasingly well-equipped to handle modern combat scenarios. The recent contract signed in October 2024 for an additional 27 vehicles, including engineering variants with demining equipment, underscores Lithuania’s commitment to building a versatile and resilient armored force.
Spike LR2 Missiles: A Game-Changer for Anti-Tank Warfare
The integration of Spike LR2 missiles into the Vilkas IFVs significantly enhances Lithuania’s anti-tank capabilities. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Spike LR2 is a fifth-generation, fire-and-forget missile system capable of engaging armored vehicles, fortifications, and key targets at ranges up to 5.5 kilometers. Its advanced electro-optical and infrared guidance systems ensure high precision, even in adverse weather conditions or cluttered environments. The missile’s tandem warhead is designed to penetrate modern reactive armor, making it a potent threat to Russian tanks such as the T-72B3M and T-90M.
The €6 million deal for the latest batch of Spike LR2 missiles, announced on August 19, 2025, by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, reflects a strategic focus on countering armored threats. Defense Minister Dovile Shakalene emphasized that this acquisition is not merely a technical upgrade but a “strategic signal” of Lithuania’s readiness to repel potential aggression before it reaches its borders. The missiles’ integration into the Vilkas IFVs enhances the vehicles’ firepower and operational range, enabling Lithuanian forces to engage targets at a safe distance while maintaining mobility and protection.
Strategic Context: The Suwałki Gap and Russian Threats
Lithuania’s military buildup is driven by its precarious geopolitical position. Located on NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast and Belarus, a close Russian ally. The Suwałki Gap, a narrow corridor between Lithuania and Poland, is a critical vulnerability in NATO’s defense architecture. A Russian attempt to seize this corridor could sever the Baltic states from the rest of NATO, making it a focal point for regional security concerns.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, coupled with increased Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern borders, has heightened fears of potential aggression. Recent incidents, such as Russian drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace in July 2025, have further underscored the need for robust defense capabilities. Lithuania’s acquisition of Spike LR2 missiles and additional Vilkas IFVs is a direct response to these threats, particularly the risk of Russian armored assaults aimed at unblocking Kaliningrad in a potential conflict scenario.
Lithuanian officials have also pointed to the evolving nature of Russian military capabilities. At Russia’s 2025 Victory Day Parade, vehicles like the Kurganets-25 and BMP-3 showcased enhanced armor and firepower, reflecting Russia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armored forces. The Vilkas IFVs, with their Spike LR2 missiles, are designed to counter these advanced platforms, ensuring Lithuania can deter or neutralize Russian armored threats effectively.
Lithuania’s Broader Military Modernization Efforts
The acquisition of Spike LR2 missiles is part of a broader modernization strategy to transform Lithuania’s armed forces into a more capable and NATO-interoperable force. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lithuania has accelerated its defense investments, focusing on both ground and air defense capabilities. In addition to the Vilkas IFVs, Lithuania is procuring 54 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks to establish a tank battalion by 2030, complementing its existing fleet of Oshkosh L-ATV vehicles and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers.
Lithuania is also enhancing its air defense capabilities with the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), acquired in April 2025, to counter aerial threats such as drones and cruise missiles. The country’s request for additional NATO air defense deployments, including experimental systems, reflects its proactive stance in addressing emerging threats. These efforts align with Lithuania’s goal of establishing a combined arms division capable of operating independently or within a multinational NATO framework.
Moreover, Lithuania’s military aid to Ukraine, including M113 armored personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, and Stinger missiles, demonstrates its commitment to collective security. Since 2022, Lithuania has provided over €641 million in military aid to Ukraine, reinforcing its role as a steadfast NATO ally.
Regional Implications: Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
Lithuania’s military modernization has significant implications for NATO’s eastern flank. By bolstering its armored and anti-tank capabilities, Lithuania is enhancing its ability to defend the Suwałki Gap and deter potential Russian aggression. The Vilkas IFVs, with their advanced weaponry and mobility, provide a credible deterrent against Russian armored units, while the planned acquisition of Leopard 2A8 tanks further strengthens Lithuania’s heavy combat capabilities.
The collaboration with Germany, Israel, and other NATO partners in these acquisitions underscores the importance of interoperability and collective defense. The Vilkas program, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), benefits from shared logistics and maintenance frameworks with Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, ensuring operational efficiency. The integration of Israeli technology, such as the Samson Mk II turret and Spike LR2 missiles, highlights the global nature of Lithuania’s defense strategy.
Furthermore, Lithuania’s efforts complement those of other Baltic states and Poland, which are also investing heavily in military modernization. Poland’s acquisition of 500 HIMARS launchers and other advanced systems, for instance, creates a formidable regional deterrent against Russian forces. Together, these efforts signal to Moscow that NATO’s eastern flank is prepared to respond decisively to any aggression.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its progress, Lithuania faces challenges in sustaining its military modernization. The country’s limited defense budget, as noted by Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas, constrains the scale of acquisitions. Balancing investments in ground forces, air defense, and other capabilities requires careful prioritization. Additionally, the reliance on foreign suppliers for critical systems like the Spike LR2 and Leopard 2A8 raises questions about localizing production, a topic discussed during Minister Shakalene’s visit to Israel in April 2025.
Looking ahead, Lithuania aims to complete its Vilkas fleet expansion by 2029, with deliveries of the latest batch scheduled between 2027 and 2029. The planned tank battalion and NASAMS deployments will further enhance Lithuania’s combat capabilities, positioning it as a key player in NATO’s eastern defense. Integrating anti-drone systems, as suggested by observers on X, could further strengthen Lithuania’s ability to counter emerging threats.
Conclusion: A Clear Signal of Deterrence
Lithuania’s acquisition of Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles for its Vilkas IFVs represents a strategic leap in its defense capabilities. By enhancing its ability to counter Russian armored threats, Lithuania is sending a clear message of deterrence while reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. The Vilkas IFVs, with their advanced firepower and mobility, are a testament to Lithuania’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces in response to regional security challenges. As Lithuania continues to build a robust and interoperable military, it stands as a vital pillar of NATO’s collective defense, ready to protect its sovereignty and support its allies in an increasingly volatile world.
