Lithuania and the US have taken a significant step towards cooperation in defence capabilities with Northrop Grumman Corporation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU focuses on developing, producing, and supplying medium-caliber ammunition. The agreement 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 will mark a new stage in US-Lithuanian cooperation in the defence industry if agreed upon.
“Partnership with companies from our closest allies with the highest competencies 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,” said Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.
“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,” the PM added.
“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.
This ammunition production project with Northrop Grumman is expected to bring significant US investment to Lithuania.
“This project will be another important step in developing 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. Over the medium term, the average value of the Ministry of Defence’s planned arms purchases from the US amounts to around EUR 1.3 billion, which 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 US and allied countries through industry partnerships across the globe,” said Steve O’Bryan, corporate vice president and global business development officer of Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defence technology company known for its innovations in ammunition. The company produces a complete family of 30mm tactical and training ammunition for various defence applications. The US is a strategic partner of Lithuania and actively contributes to its defence with troops, equipment, and funds.
