Lithuania's defense tech acquisition lags due to lengthy process

Lithuania's defense procurement system is under scrutiny for its protracted timelines, with the acquisition of new military technology sometimes stretching for years. The process, from the initial identification of a need by the military to the final delivery of equipment, is complex and involves numerous stages that can contribute to significant delays.

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The term depends on the specific equipment, its complexity, the urgency of the need, the supplier or manufacturer's capabilities, and other circumstances.

The Ministry of National Defence acknowledges these lengthy durations, explaining that the time taken varies greatly depending on the specific equipment, its complexity, the urgency of the requirement, and the production capacity of the suppliers. The ministry emphasizes that delays are not solely attributable to public procurement procedures but also encompass the time needed for defining needs, formulating technical specifications, market analysis, manufacturing, and rigorous testing.

Factors such as ensuring compatibility with existing Lithuanian and allied military systems, aligning with long-term capability development goals, and the technological evolution of defense equipment all influence the initial phase of need identification. Even after a procurement decision is made, the delivery timeline can be extended by the manufacturer's production schedules, order volumes, and the intricate processes of production and testing.

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Therefore, when evaluating the total term, it is important to distinguish between the stages of need identification, procurement procedure, and equipment manufacturing and delivery.

While public procurement procedures are governed by Lithuanian and EU laws designed to ensure transparency and efficiency, the ministry notes that specific security and defense needs must also be accommodated. The goal is to balance competition and security with the timely acquisition of quality capabilities. However, critics argue that the overall process, encompassing all stages from conception to delivery, remains too slow in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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Therefore, the procedures must ensure both competition and security, as well as that the army receives the necessary capability in a timely manner and of appropriate quality.