Lithuania to receive second batch of Vilka 8x8 wheeled IFVs Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Defense News May 2023 Global Security army industry
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The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense has completed the initial phase of acquiring Vilka 8x8 wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), based on the German Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle. The final 23 IFVs of this stage, purchased for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, are set to arrive in the country this summer, as announced by the ministry at the end of April. 

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Vilka 8x8 wheeled armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle of Lithuanian army. (Picture source Lithuania MoD)

In 2016, Lithuania signed a contract with the German consortium ARTEC GmbH for the purchase of 88 Boxer 8x8 wheeled armored fighting vehicles. The contract was worth around 386 million Euros. The first combat vehicles were delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in 2021.

The acquisition of the Boxer armored vehicles is part of Lithuania's efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defense capabilities. The vehicles improve the mobility and protection of Lithuanian troops in the field, as well as enhance their interoperability with NATO forces.

It is worth noting that the acquisition of the Boxer vehicles has been controversial in Lithuania, with some critics arguing that the contract was awarded without proper competition and that the vehicles are too expensive and not well-suited for the country's terrain. However, the Lithuanian government and the military maintain that the Boxer is a highly capable vehicle that will significantly improve Lithuania's defense posture.

The Vilka is based on the German-produced Boxer multirole wheeled armored vehicle. It is fitted with an Israeli Samson Mk2 unmanned turret module manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The turret is armed with a 30 mm Bushmaster II Mk44S automatic cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and Israeli Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles, in addition to other specialized equipment and electronic systems.

Retaining all the mobility components of the Boxer, the Vilka is powered by an MTU model 8V199 TE20 diesel engine that generates 530 kW and is coupled to an Allison model HD4070 fully automatic transmission with seven forward and three reverse gears. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 105 km/h and has a maximum cruising range of 1,000 km.