Lithuania procuring Stryker infantry vehicles

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Lithuania is seeking to procure 84 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles -- plus weapon systems -- from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales program.

The total sales package, which has been approved by the State Department, carries a price tag of about $599 million.

"Lithuania's acquisition of the Stryker ICV system would represent a major advancement in capability for the Lithuanian Land Forces, filling a vital capability gap that is not currently addressed," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in its notification to Congress. "The Stryker ICV system would provide maneuverability, speed, and firepower to the Lithuanian Land Forces and enhance Lithuania's ability to contribute to territorial defense and NATO and coalition operations."

The DSCA is the Department of Defense entity that manages the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

It said Lithuania specifically requested 84 M 1126 Strykers with ATK's 30mm cannon, the XM813 30mm cannon or a European variant with the Remote Weapon Station and 84 M2 Flex machine guns.

Contractor logistics support, support equipment, spare parts, armaments, radios, training aids and devices and other technical assistance are also to be included.

Contract implementation would require as many as 30 U.S. government or contractor representatives to travel to over a two-year period to help with th fielding of the vehicles and their equipment