OCCAR Orders New Boxer Engineering Variant for Lithuanian Armed Forces
Lithuania is set to bolster its military capabilities with the addition of 27 new Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles, a significant step in its ongoing efforts to modernize its defense forces. These vehicles, developed by Artec GmbH, a joint venture between German defense firms Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, are part of a broader strategy to enhance Lithuania’s ground combat effectiveness. The deal was formalized on October 11 in Bonn, Germany, under the oversight of the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), which announced the contract via its official social media channels.
The new order includes a unique engineering variant of the Boxer, a development that marks an upgrade over the standard infantry fighting vehicle model currently in use by the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Although OCCAR has not disclosed specific financial details, the engineering variant promises to significantly improve tactical mobility, especially in areas such as mine clearance and battlefield engineering. This new version will integrate cutting-edge engineering tools directly into the standard Boxer design, making it more versatile in challenging combat environments.
Lithuania’s military has been operating Boxer vehicles since a previous contract was signed in 2016, under which 91 vehicles were delivered by the end of 2023. These units were acquired as part of the Vilkas program, named after the Lithuanian word for "wolf," which aims to equip the country’s land forces with modern and powerful armored vehicles. The total investment for the Vilkas program, including infrastructure, anti-tank guided missiles, ammunition, and logistical support, amounts to approximately €670 million, reflecting the Lithuanian government’s commitment to its defense modernization efforts.
The Boxer variant currently in service with the Lithuanian army is outfitted with the Samson Mk II unmanned turret, designed by Israeli defense contractor Rafael. This turret is armed with a Bushmaster II 30mm automatic cannon, giving it formidable firepower, and Spike LR anti-tank missiles, which provide significant long-range anti-armor capabilities. This combination ensures that the Vilkas variant is highly effective in a range of combat scenarios, from infantry support to engaging enemy armored vehicles.
The new engineering variant will likely further enhance the versatility of Lithuania’s military forces. By incorporating mine clearance equipment and other battlefield engineering tools, the vehicle will be better equipped to handle complex operational challenges. The addition of these features will not only help clear paths through mined or obstructed areas but also enable faster and safer movement for infantry and other mechanized units on the ground.
Lithuania’s acquisition of these vehicles comes as part of a broader trend in Eastern Europe, where nations are increasingly focusing on enhancing their defense capabilities in response to regional security concerns. The Boxer vehicle, known for its high mobility, modular design, and excellent protection, has become a popular choice for many European armies, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.
The Boxer’s unique modularity allows it to be configured for a variety of roles, from infantry fighting to command and control or medical evacuation. This flexibility is one of the reasons it has been so widely adopted, as armies can tailor it to meet specific operational needs. With the introduction of the engineering variant, Lithuania is expanding the capabilities of its existing Boxer fleet and ensuring that its military can handle a broader range of battlefield challenges in the future.
As Lithuania continues to build up its defensive infrastructure, this latest order underlines the country’s strategic focus on modernizing its military capabilities. With the integration of advanced engineering features, the new Boxer vehicles will play a critical role in maintaining the Lithuanian Armed Forces' operational effectiveness, ensuring they are prepared for any future challenges.
