Lithuanian-made armored vehicle prototype struggles to find buyers

A prototype armored vehicle developed by Lithuanian firm Aurida Engineering Company remains a solitary unit, having failed to secure any orders in almost a year. Company head Mantas Klupšas expressed disappointment, stating that despite submitting applications, presenting the vehicle, and writing to the army and defense ministry, no interest has been shown.

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According to standard procedures, we filled out an application, presented the vehicle, and wrote letters to the army and the former minister.

Klupšas noted that the army cited a lack of need for 4x4 vehicles, having acquired competitors' models. He also expressed concern that Lithuania is purchasing a thousand armored vehicles from Finland while a local alternative exists. "If there is a war, we will certainly not get those armored vehicles. We plan food reserves, but not equipment," said Sigitas Gailiūnas, president of the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts.

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We are buying a thousand armored vehicles from Finland, when we have them here. If there is a war, we will certainly not get those armored vehicles. We plan food reserves, but not equipment.

The defense minister, Robertas Kaunas, refuted claims that local defense industry is being ignored. He stated that a "one-stop shop" exists for all proposals but emphasized that the Lithuanian army requires proven, not prototype, solutions. "We strive to choose a reliable, working solution that has been tested in war, which is what we have currently implemented," Kaunas explained, adding that a separate process exists for working with companies whose prototypes show potential.

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There is a 'one-stop shop' principle for us, where all proposals and manufacturers are submitted. However, the Lithuanian army needs tested, not prototype, vehicles.

Despite the lack of official interest, the armored vehicle was requested for training exercises by riflemen. The initial prototype was largely manufactured in Panevėžys, with 80% of the processing and assembly done locally. The situation highlights a tension between the military's need for battle-tested equipment and the desire to foster domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

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If we see that a prototype has potential – there is a separate track for working with a potential company. However, it does not mean that we will buy prototypes, so we try to choose a reliable, working solution that has been tested in war, which is what we have currently implemented.