Lithuania To Get Two "Watercat" Multi-Purpose Attack Craft

The Lithuanian Navy is set to acquire two new Watercat M18 multi-purpose attack craft made by Finnish firm Marine Alutech.

The company has signed a contract with the Lithuanian and Latvian Ministries of Defence to develop and deliver combat boats based on its Watercat M18 platform under the Common Future Multipurpose Attack Craft (CFMAC) procurement programme.

Under the terms of the deal Lithuania is spending €22 million to acquire two Watercat M18s equipped with SPIKE NLOS missile launchers and remote heavy machine-gun systems.

The Lithuanian Navy boats, which will be operated by members of its Coastal Defence Battalion, can operate in very shallow waters and will enable a rapid response to threats both on the water and land. They are suitable for use in the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The platform is suited to a range of missions including patrols, combat support,  troop transport, and medevac. 

Marine Alutech has already supplied 12 Watercat M18s to the Finnish Navy. The 20-metre vessels are  powered by two 660 kW Scania diesel engines driving waterjets; they have a top speed of about 35 knots and a 200-nautical-mile range

Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene commented: “The new multi-purpose attack craft will strengthen our navy and ensure a faster response to security challenges in our regional waters.

“Aside from that, this contract is an excellent example of small countries building a stronger and more effective defence through cooperation thus contributing to stability and security in the entire Baltic region.”

The CFMAC programme is an extension of a 2024 agreement between Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland to strengthen regional defence.

• You can read more details on the Lithuanian MoD website and the Marine Alutech website