[Coming Soon] Vilkas: Lithuanian Wolf

Historical Note

The Boxer infantry fighting vehicle was developed as part of a European defense cooperation program that began in 1993. The project aimed to create a modular wheeled platform capable of fulfilling a wide range of roles – from troop transport to medical evacuation and command-and-control functions. Despite the inherent complexities of multinational defense collaboration, the program succeeded. The first production Boxers began entering service with the Bundeswehr in 2009. The vehicle established itself as a highly protected platform with the ability to swap modules rapidly in the field, allowing it to be adapted for specific missions as needed.

In 2015, Lithuania expressed interest in the Boxer, ordering 89 vehicles as part of its army rearmament program. The Lithuanian variant received the export designation Vilkas, differing from the base version through the addition of a remotely controlled turret adapted to launch Spike anti-tank guided missiles. The first Vilkas vehicles entered service with the Lithuanian Armed Forces in 2019.

Vilkas (Rank XI)

Brief Overview

• Strengths: “Smart” Spike-LR II guided ATGMs, 30 mm autocannon, and high speed.
• Weaknesses: Light protection, and large silhouette.
• Role in battle: A fast wheeled vehicle suited to aggressive second-line combat, flanking maneuvers, and anti-tank ambushes.

In battle

German armored vehicles are renowned for their agile and well-armed IFVs – but even among them, the Lithuanian Vilkas stands apart, raising the bar for dynamic, high-risk gameplay to an entirely new level.

Its unmanned turret, armed with a 30 mm Bushmaster II autocannon, is a genuine threat to lightly armored targets and a serious concern for tanks – particularly when loaded with an APFSDS belt. Mounted right above the main gun is a Spike-LR II ATGM launcher. These fire-and-forget missiles allow you to quickly and precisely neutralize enemy armor without the risk of manually tracking or holding a target lock.

Built on a highly mobile wheeled chassis with a strong power-to-weight ratio, the Vilkas is well suited to firing from cover and launching surprise ambushes.

The Vilkas features composite armor, though it is light – offering reliable protection only against machine-gun fire. A tank shell or ATGM will almost certainly knock the vehicle out in a single hit and send you straight back to the hangar.

The conclusion is simple: engaging tanks head-on is not a sign of bravery – it’s a guaranteed way to lose your vehicle. The Vilkas demands a calculated approach, good situational awareness, and precise timing.

Premium version of the Vilkas (Rank XI)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The Vilkas (Rank XI) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.