Lithuanian Army has taken delivery of the first 2 out of 88 Vilkas/Boxer 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles from the German manufacturer ARTEC. Delivery was preceded by intense testing of the platform.
The first 2 out of 88 Lithuanian Vilkas/Boxer 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles delivered to Lithuania / Picture: Lithuanian MoD
Lithuanian Vilkas/Boxer IFVs were equipped with Israel manufactured turrets, featuring 30mm MK-44S guns and Spike LR anti-tank missiles, as well as other specialised equipment and electronic systems. The first two IFVs will be handed over to the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Battalion in Rukla, where they will undergo acceptance procedures and, subsequently, enter service.
In 2016 Lithuanian MoD signed a €385.6 million worth contract for delivery of 88 Vilkas/Boxer 8×8 IFVs from ARTEC. Implementation of the deal is supervised by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
According to the contract, deliveries of Lithuanian IFVs should conclude in late 2021, with 15 vehicles planned to be delivered by the end of 2019. The initial in-service logistical support package includes spare parts, support and test equipment, technical and training documentation and training equipment.
According to the Lithuanian MoD ‘the combination of the IFV Vilkas firepower, manoeuvrability and crew protection meets the demands of the Lithuanian Armed Forces best in terms of national defence and international deployments’. Lithuanian Vilkas/Boxer 8×8 IFVs will be operated by the Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion, which form the country’s Mechanized Infantry Brigade ‘Iron Wolf’.
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