Lithuania’s Western Baltic Shipyard has laid down the first two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Republic of Singapore Navy. The construction marks the beginning of a maritime security project unveiled by Singapore on April 7. Each vessel will feature a flight deck capable of supporting a 12-tonne helicopter. They are also equipped to deploy two interceptor boats and carry up to five 20-foot containerized mission modules. The OPVs are intended to enhance Singapore’s maritime patrol and response capabilities. Original news
Category: Lithuania
U.S. Urges Europe to Maintain American Defense Ties Amid EU Industry Push
U.S. officials are urging European allies to keep buying American-made weapons despite the EU’s push to strengthen its own defense industry. The European Commission’s ReArm Europe initiative could limit U.S. firms’ involvement in EU defense contracts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the issue in talks with Baltic foreign ministers, stressing the importance of American participation. U.S. officials caution that sidelining American companies may harm transatlantic defense cooperation. The move comes amid broader efforts in Europe to reduce dependency on foreign military suppliers. Original news
Lithuania Strengthens Defense Ties With U.S. Contractors Amid Russian Threat
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Šakalienė is deepening collaboration with major U.S. defense firms, including Lockheed Martin, to enhance military capabilities against growing Russian threats. During a recent roundtable, she expressed satisfaction with discussions, stating, “We require a lot from them.” Lithuania plans to increase its military budget to 5-6% of GDP, requiring at least $8 billion in defense spending over the coming years. Šakalienė emphasized Lithuania as both a defense market and a strategic partner, underscoring mutual benefits for U.S. firms. The initiative highlights Lithuania’s commitment to strengthening its defense posture through advanced military acquisitions. Original news
Italy Deploys SAMP/T Air-Defense System to Lithuania for NATO Exercise
Italy has deployed a SAMP/T air-defense system to Lithuania for a joint military exercise with the Lithuanian Air Force from February 10 to 20, 2025. The deployment is part of NATO’s Rotational Air Defence Model in the Baltic states, as confirmed by the Italian and Lithuanian defense ministries. Lithuanian Vice-Minister for National Defence Tomas Godliauskas emphasized that the model, approved at the 2023 Vilnius NATO summit, is strengthening air defense and deterrence across the alliance. The exercise features Lithuanian NASAMS systems, Italian and French fighter jets from NATO’s Baltic air policing mission, and the Lithuanian air operations center. The drills […]
RAND Study Proposes Using 4G/5G Networks to Counter Air Defenses in Taiwan and the Baltics
A new RAND study suggests leveraging 4G and 5G cellular networks to detect and jam mobile surface-to-air missile radars in defense of the Baltic states and Taiwan. Timothy Bond, a senior RAND fellow, noted that Taiwan’s network is over 50% 5G, while the Baltics primarily use 4G, making them potential tools for targeting enemy radars and jammers. The study highlights that Russian air defense radars and GPS jammers operate on frequencies detectable by 4G/5G systems, allowing them to help guide attacks on electronic warfare threats. This technology could enhance NATO and Taiwan’s ability to counter Russian and Chinese air defense […]
Lithuania and Estonia pledge to meet Donald Trump’s 5% target on defence spending
Lithuania and Estonia have pledged to raise their defense spending to at least 5% of GDP in response to pressure from US President Donald Trump. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated the country plans to fund the increase through borrowing and European financial instruments, while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted potential public sector cuts. Romania is also considering a defense spending increase and has already invested €6 billion in acquiring 32 F-35 fighter jets. These commitments reflect the growing influence of US demands on NATO allies to enhance their defense budgets. The moves highlight the Baltic region’s emphasis on […]
NATO Frontline Leaders Call for Enhanced European Defense Readiness
Leaders from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have voiced concerns about Europe’s ability to counter Russia without U.S. support, emphasizing the need for stronger defense capabilities. Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics stated, “We are not ready,” while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged allies to prioritize defense spending over prolonged debates. Though two-thirds of NATO members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, experts warn this is insufficient compared to Russia’s projected 6.3% by 2025. Finland has bolstered its military with a £7.5 billion acquisition of 64 F-35A fighter jets, showcasing its commitment to modernization. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted Europe’s dependence […]
Lithuania prepares acquisition of CV90 vehicles from BAE Systems Hägglunds
Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence has entered talks with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the acquisition of CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and closer collaboration with Sweden’s defense industry. Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized the vehicles’ importance in achieving Full Operational Capability for Lithuania’s national division by 2030. To support the purchase, Lithuania has approved raising its defense borrowing limit to €800 million in 2024. The country also plans to join a joint IFV acquisition program with Finland, Sweden, and Norway, pending agreements on industrial cooperation among the nations. With negotiations expected to conclude by the end of 2025, this […]
Lithuania Signs Deal For Leopard 2A8 Tanks
Lithuania’s newly appointed defense minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, signed an agreement on December 16 to procure 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks during an official visit to Germany. The deal, Lithuania’s largest military contract, is a key step in the country’s military modernization and aims to enhance NATO interoperability and regional security. During the visit, Šakalienė met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to discuss defense cooperation, including the deployment of a 4,800-strong Bundeswehr heavy maneuver brigade to Lithuania in 2024. The tank acquisition was authorized by Lithuania’s State Defence Council prior to the October 27 election that brought Šakalienė to office. Additionally, […]
Lithuania Attracts Defense Firms with Streamlined Ammo Production Rules
Lithuania has streamlined regulations for foreign defense companies to establish local production, attracting major Western manufacturers. New legislation grants large-scale defense projects “pressing national security needs” status, allowing regulatory exemptions. Germany’s Rheinmetall is building a 155mm artillery ammunition plant in Baisogala, set to begin operations in 2026, while Northrop Grumman will produce 30mm medium-caliber ammunition in Vilnius alongside Lithuania’s purchase of Boxer-Vilkas combat vehicles. Additional interest includes a Ukrainian firm planning an explosives plant, signaling Lithuania’s rise as a regional defense manufacturing hub. Collaboration between Lithuanian and Ukrainian authorities on drones, naval systems, and electronic warfare highlights a strategic effort […]
Nordic countries discuss joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV IFVs
Nordic Defence Cooperation members, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, are exploring a joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles. According to BAE Systems Hägglunds Managing Director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, the discussions are in early stages but could result in the purchase of several hundred vehicles. Lithuania may also participate in the procurement effort, broadening regional collaboration. This initiative underscores a collective push to enhance military capabilities across the Nordic and Baltic regions. The potential joint purchase highlights the importance of regional defense partnerships in modernizing ground forces. Original news
‘Too early’ to rule out China-Russia cooperation in Baltic seabed cable incident, says Pentagon official
A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]
Construction to begin on Rheinmetall plant in Lithuania
Lithuania and Rheinmetall have finalized contracts for the construction of a €180m ($189.2m) production plant for 155mm artillery ammunition in Baisogala. The facility, spanning 340 hectares, will include shell manufacturing and load assembly pack operations, aiming to produce tens of thousands of artillery shells annually by mid-2026. This state-significant project, established through a partnership between Lithuania’s government and Rheinmetall, will create 150 jobs and integrate local businesses into the defense supply chain. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized the urgency of enhancing defense capabilities, supported by strong cooperation between Lithuania and Germany. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger highlighted the partnership as […]
Ukraine, Lithuania to Jointly Produce Unmanned, Electronic Warfare Systems
Ukraine and Lithuania have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly produce unmanned systems, electronic warfare tools, and advanced technologies. This agreement includes plans for collaborative research and development in defense innovation. Ukrainian Minister Herman Smetanin signed the document alongside Lithuania’s defense officials, highlighting Lithuania’s role as a steadfast ally. Lithuania has already shown strong support for Ukraine, recently donating 5,000 drones, military equipment, and essential supplies. In August 2024, Lithuania further committed to Ukraine’s defense by providing a package of M113 armored personnel carriers, air defense systems, and counter-drone technologies. Original news
Lithuania set for Leopards and CV90s following latest order of Boxers
Lithuania, like several other nations bordering Russia, has significantly increased its defense spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Over the past year, the country has placed orders for GM200 air defense radars, Expal towed mortars, and Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems. Recently, Lithuania’s State Defence Council approved the purchase of KNDS Leopard 2 main battle tanks and BAE Systems Hagglunds CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), building on a prior announcement of an additional 27 ARTEC Boxer-Vilkas IFVs for the military. National Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas stated that Lithuania plans to sign a contract soon to form a battalion of […]