This August, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package, which includes short-range air defense systems, among other items, Ukrinform reported on August 10, citing information from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense press service.

Accordingly, this aid package will include both modern and some older equipment from the Lithuanian army's arsenal.

"We have been, are and will continue to help Ukraine... Lithuania will soon hand over to Ukraine the much-needed short-range air defense systems. We will also transfer more equipment, systems and weapons that are needed on the battlefield every day. Our assistance is an investment in our own security," Ukrinform quoted Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas as saying.

Specifically, within the framework of this large aid package, expected to arrive in Ukraine before the end of August, Lithuania will transfer 14 M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defense systems with missiles, unmanned aerial vehicle jamming systems, single unmanned aerial vehicle jammers, tactical tractors, 20-ton telescopic loaders, ATVs with spare parts, wheeled loaders, guns, ammunition, smoke grenades, accessories and gun parts.

Earlier this year, at Kiev's request, Vilnius delivered to Ukraine 155mm ammunition, M577 and M113 armored personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle ammunition, RISE-1 long-range intelligent launch system, disassembled L-39ZA Albatros aircraft and other aid.

Lithuania, a small Baltic state, along with Latvia and Estonia, has been among Ukraine's most vocal and enthusiastic supporters since the conflict with Russia erupted in February 2022.

According to Militarnyi, in return, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry tested the Lithuanian-made suicide drone in conditions as close to real combat as possible. In the near future, taking into account the assessments and recommendations of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the Lithuanian manufacturers participating in the tests will be asked to submit a final proposal and sign a contract.

It is expected that to support Ukraine, 5 million euros will be allocated for the purchase of Lithuanian-made drones, in addition to similar equipment purchased for the needs of the Lithuanian army (up to 3 million euros).

To date, Lithuania's total aid to Ukraine has amounted to 1 billion euros, while military aid alone has so far amounted to more than 641 million euros.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the State Defense Council of Lithuania has decided to allocate at least 0.25% of the country's GDP to defense and security assistance to Ukraine.

Minh Duc (According to Ukrinform, Militarnyi)