Lithuania stocks up on ammunition

VILNIUS, Lithuania, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Lithuania is stocking up on ammunition for assault rifles, mortars and anti-tank recoilless rifles.

The country's Ministry of National Defense says the ammunition is being procured to replenish its ammunition reserves through a series of contracts worth about $14.4 million, mainly with Giraitės Ginkluotės Gamykla, a Lithuanian company.

"One of our current priorities is a well-trained and well-equipped soldier," said Minister of National Defense Juozas Olekas. "Therefore, replenishment of our munitions reserve will serve for ensuring quality training of military personnel and their appropriate preparation for fulfilling their duties."

According to the ministry, a third shipment this year of 5.56x45 mm G36 assault rifle ammunition was received last month from the Lithuanian company and ammunition for machine guns is expected soon. Ammunition for 120mm mortars will be delivered next year.

Ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf recoilless anti-tank rifle is being bought in cooperation with Latvia and Estonia through the European Defense Agency contract signed last year. The contract is worth about $61.7 million, with delivery expected to begin next year.