Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace has received a contract under the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for delivery of the Kongsberg Protector Remote Weapon Station (RWS) to Lithuanian Armed Forces as part of a total package worth $170.8 million USD. This award is part of the United States Army Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) program and includes a request for Oshkosh Defense Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV). 

Oshkosh Defense JLTV General Purpose fitted with Kongsberg Protector LW 30 Remote Weapon System at AUSA 2017, the Association of United States Army exhibition and conference in Washington D.C., October 2017. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The CROWS and JLTVs will be delivered as a system, as it is intended and certified by the U.S. military, for the greatest interoperability. This is the first contract between Kongsberg Defense and the Lithuanian Government under FMS.

“We are honored to be selected by Lithuanian government for this contract award,” said Scott Burk, vice president, Kongsberg Defense. “Lithuanian Armed Forces officials are setting the standard when it comes to how to best acquire these light tactical vehicles by integrating the right equipment and maximizing the interoperability, performance, parts and supply chain. Given the close geographic region, European countries are doing their due-diligence when selecting a U.S.-validated system.”

The Protector RWS is the world’s most-fielded RWS with close to 20,000 units delivered to over 20 nations around the globe. It is equipped with an advanced and modular sensor suite to enable situational awareness and maximize soldier safety and is designed for small and medium caliber weapons and missiles. The Protector RWS is a proven product based on millions of hours of operational experience in combat zones combined with a close cooperation with global defense forces—all with an unprecedented operational readiness rate of 99%.

“We are delighted that the Lithuanian Armed Forces have chosen the JLTV for their next generation light tactical vehicle,” said Mike Ivy, senior vice president, International Programs at Oshkosh Defense. “With unrivaled off-road performance, payload and protection, the JLTV brings the latest in military tactical wheeled vehicle technology to the battlefield. We stand ready to support the Lithuania Armed Forces on JLTV delivery, training and sustainment in the years to come,” Ivy concluded.

In August 2019, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Lithuania of five hundred Joint Light Tactical Vehicles with support for an estimated cost of $170.8 million. The Government of Lithuania has requested to buy five hundred Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, M1278A1 Heavy Guns Carriers.