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Lithuania and Ukraine Strengthen Defense Industry Ties Through New Cooperation Agreement.
Lithuania and Ukraine have formalized a step in defense industry collaboration with the signing of a quadrilateral cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing weapons and ammunition production capabilities between the two countries. Lithuanian Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė and Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas led the initiative on behalf of Lithuania, while Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin represented Ukraine. The agreement commits both nations to jointly advance the development of defense projects critical to both national and regional security.
The Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)
Minister Aušrinė Armonaitė emphasized the strategic benefits of this alliance, viewing it as both a reinforcement of mutual security and a proactive measure to facilitate Ukraine's integration into NATO and EU defense structures. "This partnership not only ensures support for Ukraine's defense capabilities but also strengthens Lithuania and Europe as a whole," she noted, expressing optimism about the expanded opportunities this collaboration could create for both countries.
The agreement identifies several priority areas for cooperation, including producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground-based and maritime defense systems, electronic warfare, and other technological solutions vital to modern defense strategies. Furthermore, the two countries will work together to enhance their respective production capacities for critical ammunition and components, such as explosives and shells, reinforcing the supply chains that support their defense industries.
Lithuania has pledged to prioritize Ukraine in defense product, component, and material acquisitions, underscoring its commitment to fortifying Ukraine’s defense efforts. This includes securing financing sources to support joint projects and acquiring defense products manufactured specifically for Ukraine's security needs. Additionally, the agreement calls for the establishment of a Steering Board composed of representatives from both nations and other relevant government stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated approach to implementing the initiatives outlined.
The cooperative framework further extends to scientific research and the pursuit of advanced technological solutions to maintain a strategic advantage in defense capabilities. The Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation previously signed a Letter of Intent with a Ukrainian firm in October, signaling intentions to establish a next-generation RDX explosive manufacturing facility in Lithuania. This joint venture would contribute to strengthening defense readiness across Ukraine, Lithuania, and the broader European region.
In support of these developments, Lithuania has introduced legal amendments this year aimed at accelerating the initiation of defense industry projects within the country. By streamlining regulatory procedures, construction of the proposed RDX plant could begin as early as next year, signaling a robust commitment to a shared defense industry vision between Lithuania and Ukraine.
Through this strategic partnership, Lithuania and Ukraine are poised to enhance their defense industrial capabilities, contributing not only to their respective national security but also to the security framework of Europe at large.