The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Minister of Finance Gintarė Skaistė and Steve O'Bryan, Corporate Vice President and Global Business Development Officer for Northrop Grumman. The Memorandum of Understanding marks the start of discussions on terms between all parties concerned and, if agreed, it will mark a new stage in US-Lithuanian cooperation in the defence industry.
"Partnership with companies from our closest allies with the highest competences and vast experience in the defence industry is a major boost for the long-term growth and modernisation of Lithuania's defence industry, as well as for our national security, which is and will remain a priority. This project, while also strengthening the long-standing close relationship between Lithuania and the US, will create clear value for Lithuania and for our region as a whole, which in the face of security challenges has an interest in minimising dependence on long supply chains," said Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.
"The partnership with Northrop Grumman, a US defence technology company, is a significant milestone for our defence industry. By integrating advanced Northrop Grumman technologies, we are not only strengthening our national security, but also paving the way for future innovations in defence industry," underlined Minister of National Defence L. Kasčiūnas.
It is expected that this ammunition production project with Northrop Grumman could bring significant US investment to Lithuania.
"This project will be another important step forward in the development of Lithuania's defence industry. We hope that the cooperation with our American allies will strengthen the country's security and preparedness, while also benefiting the wider region, including Ukraine. We anticipate that the project will be developed together with the state-owned Giraitės Ginkluotės Gamykla (eng. Giraitė Armaments Plant), thus meeting the broader strategic objective of strengthening the country's defence industry," said Finance Minister G. Skaistė.
Lithuania remains the largest purchaser of US arms among the Baltic States. The average value of the Ministry of Defence's planned arms purchases from the US amounts to around EUR 1.3 billion over the medium term. This represents one fifth of all planned defence acquisitions.
"This collaboration will help grow Lithuania’s defence industrial capacity and is keeping with our company’s commitment to supporting U.S. and allied countries though industry partnerships across the globe," said Steve O'Bryan, corporate vice president and global business development officer of Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defence technology company. For decades, Northrop Grumman’s innovations in ammunition have led to cutting-edge defences. The company is a technology leader in the design, testing and production of a complete family of 30 mm tactical and training ammunition accurate and lethal in anti-armour, anti-material, ground suppression, air defence and shipboard-defence applications fired from land-, air- and sea-based platforms worldwide.
The US is a strategic partner of Lithuania and a key ally in the security of the Baltic region. The US plays an important role in implementing security measures in the Baltic States, strengthening the security and stability of the region. The US actively contributes to our defence with troops, equipment and funds.
