Lecture Notes: Lithuania's Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Introduction

• Vilkas: Means 'wolf' in Lithuanian.
• Known internationally as the Boxer.
• A modular, versatile infantry fighting vehicle.
• Manufactured by German manufacturers for Lithuania's armed forces.
• Also produced globally for other customers.

Background

• 2015 Decision: Lithuania decided to modernize its infantry, upgrading from old M113s.
• Potential Equipment: Considered 9-10 armored vehicle manufacturers.
  • General Dynamics (Switzerland & Canada), IO's Super AV (Italy), Nexter's VBCI (France)
  • Patria AMV (Finland), Rosomak (Poland), IC30 Strike (USA), FNSS Pars & Armor (Turkey)
  • German-made Boxer

Lithuania's Choice

• December 2015: Chose to negotiate with German manufacturers for Boxer IFVs.
• Decision: Unanimously supported by Lithuania's State Defense Council.
• Specifications: Required 88 IFVs with unmanned turrets, machine guns, and Spike anti-tank missiles.
  • Planned budget: €400 million.

Controversies & Issues

• Contract Allegations:
  • Media reported discrepancies and potential corruption.
  • Alleged falsification and manipulation of offers.
  • Accusations against Ministry representatives for misinformation.
• Contract Changes: Surprise choice of Israeli turrets over expected German and U.S. systems.
• Delivery Delays:
  • First units delivered in 2018, faced quality control issues.
  • Software and technical problems with Israeli turrets.

Resolution Efforts

• 2022 Upgrades: Installed upgrades to resolve turret issues, completed by November.
• Extended Warranties: Manufacturers extended warranties on delivered vehicles.
• Ministerial Statements:
  • Acknowledged problems, especially with the Israeli turret.
  • Software improvements were a key focus.

Ongoing Challenges

• 2023 Frustrations: Lithuania expressed dissatisfaction with delays to Israeli officials.
• Public Broadcasting: Reported the deal caused tensions between Israel and Lithuania.

Future Plans

• Additional Orders:
  • 2023: Announced downsized purchase of 27 additional vehicles.
  • Potential for more orders in the future.

Vilkas Specifications

• Manufacturers: German Artec Consortium, with Israeli and American systems.
• Capabilities:
  • 8x8 configuration, max speed 103 km/h, weight 35 tons.
  • Crew of three, capacity for six infantry soldiers.
  • Equipped with remote weapon stations, thermal imaging, and anti-tank missiles.

Usage

• Units: Used by multiple Lithuanian mechanized infantry brigades.

Discussion

• Contemplation: Debate on whether Lithuania should have chosen a different platform.

Conclusion: Lithuania’s choice of the Boxer platform reflects a complex decision-making process influenced by technical, logistical, and political factors.