On October 11, 2024, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) announced the signing of a contract with the ARTEC GmbH consortium for the delivery of 27 additional Boxer infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) for the Lithuanian army. This new agreement, designated as “Amendment 16,” marks a significant step in the Vilkas program, enabling Lithuania to expand its fleet of Boxer vehicles, a widely valued armored combat model known for its modularity and durability. This initiative is supported by close collaboration between OCCAR, the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency, and ARTEC, a consortium of Rheinmetall Land Systems and KNDS, two major German defense companies.
This new order represents a strategic investment to increase the fleet to over 110 vehicles and ensure greater flexibility in Lithuania’s military operations.
The contract includes a new engineering variant of the Boxer, specifically designed for military engineering operations. This model will integrate demining and engineering equipment directly into the infantry fighting vehicle, significantly enhancing the tactical mobility of Lithuanian forces. Since joining the BOXER program in 2016, Lithuania has acquired 91 of these vehicles through an initial €358.6 million contract. Deployed within the “Iron Wolf” Infantry Brigade, these vehicles are used in various exercises, contributing to the rapid modernization of Lithuania’s land capabilities, as noted by National Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
This new order represents a strategic investment to increase the fleet to over 110 vehicles and ensure greater flexibility in Lithuania’s military operations. Along with the vehicles, the contract includes initial logistical support with spare parts, maintenance equipment, and training. OCCAR, in partnership with ARTEC, oversees the agreement’s implementation to ensure compliance with Lithuania’s specific requirements.