“We are talking… More about the production line,” Minister Kasčiūnas stated, confirming the ongoing discussions with Northrop Grumman. The minister identified the state-owned Giraitė Armaments Factory as a potential site for the new production line, emphasizing that all options remain on the table. “Without going into details, all options are open… I think the production of 30mm ammunition could be integrated into Giraitė,” he added.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by Lithuania to attract significant international investment in its arms and ammunition production sectors. In an interview with the business newspaper Verslo Žinios earlier this week, Kasčiūnas revealed that talks are underway with two major potential investors. The first investor aims to produce 30mm ammunition specifically for infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), while the second is focused on manufacturing IFVs themselves, which Lithuania plans to purchase.
“If we buy tracked [IFVs], the investment would also be in tracked ones,” Kasčiūnas elaborated to BNS. The minister anticipates more detailed information regarding these investment plans to be available later this year.
Northrop Grumman, renowned globally as the largest manufacturer of medium-calibre combat and training ammunition and weapon systems, represents a significant potential partner for Lithuania’s defense industry.
Simultaneously, another major development in Lithuania’s defense manufacturing landscape is underway. Germany’s defense industry leader Rheinmetall is set to commence construction of a 180-million-euro 155mm artillery ammunition factory this autumn. The project site, near Baisogala in the northern district of Radviliškis, has already received approval.
