The 14-ton vehicle was manufactured at Aurida Engineering’s plant in Panevėžys in five months. The company’s director said the idea stemmed from the need to strengthen Lithuania’s defense “in these troubled times.”
“We are not limited to just one copy. We aim to produce more vehicles, some of which could remain in Lithuania and others exported to European and NATO countries. Demand is quite high,” Aurida Engineering director Mantas Klupšas noted.
According to him, the company has already drawn interest from foreign countries, with negotiations underway, though domestic demand is lower.
“In Lithuania, interest is still somewhat lower. But Lithuanians tend first to look, think, reflect, and only then decide. I hope Lithuania will make the right decision,” Visvaldas Matkevičius, General Director of the Panevėžys Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, stated.
The Panevėžys plant can produce up to 120 such vehicles per year and provide technical maintenance. The cost of each is over €500,000.
TAURUS
The TAURUS prototype was first presented in September 2025 at the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland.
According to DELFI, the design is based on the South African Marauder vehicle by Paramount. In cooperation with South African partners, the design was adapted to local needs, including protection against radiation, chemical, and biological threats.
The vehicle uses commercial components modified for military use, including a 6.7-liter Cummins engine with up to 480 horsepower, a ZF gearbox, and axles by Axle (Excels) and Meritor.
Up to 80% of machining, hull manufacturing from armored steel, and final assembly are carried out in Lithuania.
The vehicle meets STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection standards, able to withstand 7.62×51 mm armor-piercing rounds and anti-tank mines with the equivalent of 8 kilograms of TNT under the wheel. It can carry seven troops and can be optionally equipped with a combat module.
Aurida plans additional versions, including three more 4×4 variants with enhanced protection, as well as 6×6 and 8×8 models.
(militarnyi)