The Material and Technical Support
Department of Lithuania has sent a letter to the German Ministry of Defense
outlining its intentions to purchase Leopard tanks, Lithuanian news outlet LRT
reported on July 28.
According to the Ministry of Defense, this step allows the country to gain information and engage in discussions about the specifics required in the case that Vilnius decides to sign a contract to buy Leopard tanks.
“The statement of intent is not a legal commitment, but the German Defense Ministry will rely on the parties’ intentions in determining the total demand for new tanks in negotiations with the manufacturers,” the ministry said.
Earlier this week, Lithuanian Minister of Defense Arvydas Anušauskas, revealed that Lithuania had considered several manufacturers but ultimately chose the German model because it “best meets the operational requirements of the country.”