US hands USD 10 mln M72 LAW anti-tank weapons over to Lithuania

  • 2021-04-14
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – The United States handed 10 million euros' worth of M72 LAW light anti-tank weapons over to Lithuania in a ceremony in Vilnius on Wednesday. 

M72 LAWs are used by the armed forces of around 40 countries and have been combat-tested in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts.

The light anti-armor weapons donated by the US will supplement the stocks of Lithuania's National Defense Volunteer Force (KASP).   

Wednesday's ceremony was attended by Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas, Robert Gilchrist, the US ambassador to Lithuania, Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupsys and other defense officials, the Lithuanian military said.

The Defense Ministry has said the assistance package is worth 10 million US dollars. The US Army has also taught KASP instructors to operate the weapon.

The US is Lithuania's strategic partner and key ally in ensuring security in the Baltic region, and one of the main partners in weaponry procurement.