| Abstract [eng] |
In the late 1930’s, particular attention in the Lithuanian Army was given to anti-tank and anti-aircraft defence. In 1940, more than 300 automatic 20 mm cannons were possessed; in principle the concept of the utilization of light anti-aircraft cannons was chosen aptly, and given the experience of the Second World War, it would have proven out if Lithuania had got involved in an armed conflict. Overall in 1940, the Lithuanian army had 645 field artillery, anti-aircraft and anti-tank cannons and mortars; and about 90% of them were purchased over the last decade (1929–1940). The biggest part of the Lithuanian army artillery weaponry was purchased in France, Great Britain, Switzerland, Finland and Czechoslovakia, while in 1938–1940, 150 – 2 cm Flak 30 automatic cannons were also purchased in Germany. Practically during the entire interwar period all attempts to purchase weaponry from the USSR were unsuccessful. It can be stated that the Baltic States did not have a common armament policy of their armies and their artillery cannons were of different calibres and systems, although in some cases they were the same. In general, regarding Lithuanian artillery weaponry in the context of the northern countries such as Latvia, Estonia and Finland, it is obvious that the latter countries had more field artillery cannons, however, the Lithuanian munitions were the newest and an innovative way was chosen by regarding howitzers as a priority. Moreover, the number of anti-tank and antiaircraft cannons and mortars in the Lithuanian army was higher than in Latvia and particularly in Estonia. |
