Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė and Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas signed a quadrilateral cooperation agreement of Lithuania and Ukraine on defence industry development. The countries have committed to work together in support and implementation of weapons and ammunition production as well as other prospective defence industry projects of Lithuanian and Ukrainian companies.
“It is smart in terms of mutual security and a quicker Ukraine’s victory against the aggressor. Moreover, it is a signal that we are not just ready to supply Ukraine with the necessary weaponry but also to provide assistance with Ukraine’s integration of her defence industry in NATO and EU defence and security structures. I have no doubts that by this we are creating more opportunity for Lithuania, Ukraine and the whole Europe,” says Minister of economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov and Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin on the Ukrainian side.
“I have just come back from Ukraine with this signed agreement. I have said many times, we cannot make Ukraine fight with one hand tied behind its back – we have to give as many instruments as needed for a confident fight for its independence. By that I mean, if Allies still have doubts about the legitimacy and limits for using the provided weapons, then we have to be creative and help the Ukrainians to manufacture their own weapons. This is one of the areas of the cooperation we are developing. Therefore, this memorandum is a proof of our consistent policy to continue supporting Ukraine and stay until victory,” says Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
The areas of cooperation identified in the agreement include production of UAV, ground-based and maritime systems, electronic warfare and other technological defence solutions in Ukraine and Lithuania, as well as strengthening production capacity and opportunity for ammunition and principal components, such as explosives and shells, in both countries.
Moreover, it was agreed to pursue common advanced solutions to ensure technological advantage and initiate scientific research and defence industry development projects.
Lithuania has committed to ensure to Ukraine priority rights in defence product, component and material acquisitions. Our country will also help to search for sources of financing to be able to invest in joint projects and cover acquisition of defence products manufactured for Ukraine’s defence industry and security and defence forces.
Also, it has been decided to establish a Steering Board formed by representatives of both countries and other governmental interested parties in the nearest future.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation signed a Letter of Intent with a Ukrainian company back in October on collaboration in construction of a factory of new generation RDX explosives in Lithuania in order to ensure the cooperation in the area of security and defence industry between Lithuania and Ukraine. This would strengthen defence capabilities of Ukraine, Lithuania and Europe.
Besides, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation has initiated amendments to the law this year which cut down the time required to start a defence industry project in Lithuania. By virtue of the procedures simplified in the amendments, construction of the plant could begin as soon as next year.
Info credit: Ministry of Economy and Innovation
Photo credit: Sgt Spc K. Kavolėlis/MoD
