“The Lithuanian defence industry is a national security interest and we are intent on it. To make sure that everyone can enjoy equal conditions and to foster competition, the Ministry of National Defence encourages Lithuanian defence industry companies to collaborate, take part in events organized by the Defence Materiel Agency and in public tendering. We have been providing support in introduction of products from Lithuanian companies in international weaponry exhibitions and send representatives to events of all Lithuanian defence industry associations for a number of years,” says Vice Minister of National Defence Greta Monika Tučkutė.
According to Vice Minister, the Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence hosts 3-5 themed events a year which are always attended by at least 30 different companies. Invitations are open or specified as requested by foreign partners. Information events are attended by over 100 participants, while the Baltic Miltech Summit was attended by approx. 600 even.
Vice minister clarifies that the Ministry of National Defence seeks to support all defence-oriented Lithuanian companies to expand and launch contacts in the international market, increase competitiveness of the defence and security industry, promote innovation and investment in the security and defence industry and exports of products of Lithuanian origin. Also, to ensure a tight cooperation between national defence, public security establishments, cooperation between educational institutions and business to ensure development that meets the needs of armed state defence and public security.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces has recently designed a testing system that enables industry companies and educational institutions that develop and innovate in defence area to test their products. Equal conditions for all Lithuanian companies are ensured.
Companies face equal conditions in a fair competition when tendering in National Defence System public procurements. It is ensured through observation of provisions of the Law on Public Procurement. The Commission for Coordination of Protection of Objects Critical for National Security providesto the Ministry of National Defence conclusions concerning the tenderers to ensure that the procured equipment is free of ties with Russia, Belarus, China or other states that are not friendly to Lithuania.
A joint agreement of the Ministers of National Defence, Economy and Innovation, Foreign Affairs and the Interior issued this year approved the Roadmap for the Development of Lithuania’s Defence and Security Industry 2023-2027. It lays out the needs of the security and defence industry and innovation in our country. The Law on Security and Defence Industry is on the way to ensure the needs are satisfied when it is adopted. It will create the basis for the Ministry of National Defence to involve local manufacturers in weaponry procurements, increase investment in scientific research into advanced defence technology, development and productions, to buy products created by Lithuanian scientists and industry that are relevant for national security.
