On April 16 Lithuanian institutions and German company Rheinmetall signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning constructions of an ammunition factor in Lithuania. The document reflecting Lithuania’s preparedness to strengthen security in the region and close partnership with Germany was signed by Minister of Economy and Innovations Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas and Coordinator for Strategic Program Management at Rheinmetall AG Maximilian Froch.
The signed document sets out the obligations and intents on both sides to ensure the earliest possible start of constructions of a 155 mm ammunition factory in Lithuania and the required implementation of the necessary preconditions.
“Freedom must be armed better than tyranny’ – today this notice President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenksyy expressed in the beginning of the wide-scale Russian war is more meaningful than ever. And even if we wish Ukraine’s victory to be reached at the soonest, we understand clearly that Russia will remain the most significant threat to Europe for a long time. Therefore, we must promptly invest not just in suitable military readiness and public resilience but also in defence industry. The Rheinmetall ammunition production site stands as a practical example that we waste no time about this. This factory will bear significance to Lithuania, Ukraine and the entire region, while the Government will do everything in its power to make sure the site can open as soon as possible,” Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė said.
Head of the Government thanked the negotiators on both sides for facilitating the agreement.
“This is a very important step for national security and defence. Arrival of the German defence industry company Rheinmetall in Lithuania will reduce our dependency on the long supply chains which currently present a significant challenge in the European Union and worldwide in providing for the military. It will ensure provision for the long-term and will serve as a mutual commitment to build ammunition stocks and render assistance to Ukraine. Development of such infrastructure in Lithuania will not only create additional jobs but will also bring expertise and defence technology of our partners, which is significant break-through regarding the ambition to further develop the defence industry and effectively respond to security challenges. This is also yet another significant chapter in strengthening the bilateral Lithuanian-German relations. We are a reliable Ally capable of providing security guarantees collectively, not just consuming. Thus, it is a two-way street. I am confident that it will make our cooperation stronger, especially in the context of stationing the German brigade in Lithuania,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
“We have to focus on concrete actions to ensure our national security, not just statements about the threat of war. We are already doing the work to simplify the development requirements for large investment projects that meet the national security and defence needs. That attracts investors wishing to manufacturer weaponry in Lithuania, which will reduce our reliance on the supply in international markets. An this is how we create a more secure Lithuania,” said Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė.
“Rheinmetall wishes to thank the Government of Lithuania for the trust you put in us and proactive approach to the project. As a defence industry partner, we are pleased to contribute to the sovereignty of a country in the area of artillery ammunition. This signature of the Memorandum of Understanding lays the foundation for a long-term cooperation,” Coordinator for Strategic Program Management at Rheinmetall AG Maximilian Froch said.
Photo credits: Government of the Republic of Lithuania /Laima Penek
