Lithuanian army signs preliminary EUR 8.7 mln contract on communication systems

VILNIUS – The Defense Materiel Agency under Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense signed a preliminary contract in November on the acquisition of communication systems for more than 8.7 million euros.

Moreover, on the same day, American company Harris Global Communications and the Lithuanian army came into another contract on the acquisition of radios for more than 1.6 million euros.

"The money for (the lower value – BNS) contract had been planned. The other contract is preliminary and will be valid for three years. Payments under the preliminary contract will be made out of saved and unused funds, with unplanned funds appearing at the end of the year," Asta Galdikaite, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defense, told BNS.

The first shipment of radio stations will arrive in the second quarter of next year.

"The Harris radios that are being purchased will be integrated in the weaponry management and armed vehicles M113 communication systems within the divisions of the Lithuanian army's Land Force," she said.

The ministry says the Lithuanian army has been using Harris RF Communications radios for more than 20 years.