2024-04-16 09:48:34
“The first serious step is when we can have such a manufacturer in Lithuania. This is important for national security and defense in several ways. First, the production of such ammunition reduces our dependence on global supply chains. We will have local production, which means we will have to fill our stocks, our warehouses”, L. Kasčiūnas told reporters in the Seimas on Tuesday.
“One of the main lessons of Ukraine is that you need to have as many of these things in reserve as possible. This is fundamentally important,” he added.
The minister emphasizes that this is a very important and symbolic signal that Lithuania is a safe country where the defense industry can be developed.
“The German manufacturing company is moving to Lithuania, and this is a signal that we are a safe country, that it is possible to develop such a serious business in Lithuania. And this is, I think, an additional security guarantee and a kind of greater connection even more with Germany, whose brigade will also gradually move to Lithuania”, emphasized L. Kasčiūnas.
“I think it will be an icebreaker for other companies to come, not only German, but also American and other countries,” he said. However, the minister does not comment on the details of where the company could be located.
“Details where, as well as similar, should be asked to the leading Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the minister”, L. Kasčiūnas emphasized.
On Tuesday, a letter of intent will be signed with the German defense industry giant Rheinmetall regarding the construction of an ammunition factory in Lithuania.
Last week, the Seimas approved the amendments to the laws, which would create more favorable conditions for Rheinmetall to start operations in Lithuania as soon as possible.
In mid-March, Rheinmetall announced its intention to build a factory in Lithuania, where Germany plans to permanently deploy a brigade-sized military unit to protect NATO’s eastern flank.
2024-04-16 09:48:34