"We are in talks, and the prospects are visible. I won't hide that the main option is the Americans," he said in an interview with BNS.
The Lithuanian State Defense Council in January approved plans to purchase the MLRS in 2026, earlier than the previous target of 2028.
According to Rupsys, Vilnius expects to sign a contract with the US government this year, with the systems to be delivered in 2026.
"This depends on the Americans, too," the chief of defense said. "The ministry is carrying out the process now and from what has been reported to me, there are many positive signs that a contract with the Americans could be signed by the end of this year."
Initially, the MLRS will be provided to one battery, the equivalent of a company, with the entire artillery battalion to be supplied with the systems eventually, according to Rupsys.
Multiple rocket launchers have a higher destructive power and a longer range than conventional artillery.