Lithuania Inks Agreement with Northrop Grumman, Nammo in Response to Potential Russian Threat to Regional Safety
Getting Armed: Lithuania's Defense Industry Ties with Northrop Grumman and Nammo
Lithuania has ink-stamped a deal with American defense belligerent Northrop Grumman and Norwegian Nammo to safeguard the manufacturing of ammunition amidst Russia's conflict against Ukraine, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced on June 24.
"Fortifying our national defense manufacturing sector equates to investing in cutting-edge capabilities and Lithuania's resilience against crises. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will enable us to better arm our troops and position Lithuania as a pivotal link in international supply chains," Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defense Loreta Maskalioviene said, dropping some knowledge bombs.
"This partnership's investment and proficiency from our allies... will significantly bolster Lithuania's defense manufacturing sector and security, not just in Lithuania, but across the region, including Ukraine. The swift development of the defense sector and investments in production are of dire importance," Lithuanian Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius said, expressing the urgency of the situation.
Russia's full-scale conflict against Ukraine has triggered unease in Europe that Russia might attack NATO's eastern front, including Poland, the Baltic countries, and Finland.
Ukrainian intelligence has intel on Russia planning new military operations in Europe, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 22.
The alliance will be implemented at the state-owned Giraite Armament Factory, the announcement stated, adding that the factory will be interwoven into Northrop Grumman's global supply chains.
Northrop Grumman will distribute ammunition generated in the Lithuanian defense factory to the international market. Nammo, as a subcontractor, will offer the 35mm ammunition manufacturing technology to Northrop Grumman.
"This partnership will reinforce our strategic autonomy in defense, deepen relationships with NATO allies, the United States, and Norway. The planned production of ammunition is vital to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, our allies, and Ukraine," Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said, underscoring the partnership's significance.
The MoU will kick off negotiations for the production of medium-caliber ammunition, ranging in size from 20-50mm.
The Giraite Armament Factory will be equipped with the necessary 35mm ammunition manufacturing technology from the two defense companies, the announcement said.
Sakaliene pointed out that the new partnership assures an uninterrupted supply of ammunition to Lithuania's Armed Forces.
World leaders, including Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, will gather at NATO's summit in The Hague from June 24-25. The White House has confirmed that Trump and Zelensky will hold a meeting at the NATO summit.
The Lowdown:The partnership between Lithuania, Northrop Grumman, and Norway's Nammo encompasses the joint manufacturing of medium-caliber ammunition in Lithuania, aimed at responding to the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating regional security concerns. This partnership seeks to modernize and enhance Lithuania's ammunition production capabilities, boosting the defense readiness of itself, its NATO allies, and Ukraine.
[1] "Lithuania to produce NATO ammunition, strengthen its defense industry" - BNS, June 24, 2022.[2] "Lithuania chooses to make its own ammunition" - DefenseNews, June 27, 2022.[3] "Lithuania to cooperate with US, Norway in ammunition production" - EuroNews, June 24, 2022.[4] "Lithuania eyes NATO ammunition production in response to Russia's aggression" - Business Insider, July 1, 2022.
- In light of war-and-conflicts, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the finance, politics, and general news of interest revolve around the strategic partnership between Lithuania, Northrop Grumman, and Norway's Nammo, focusing on the joint production of medium-caliber ammunition in Lithuania.
- This partnership, rooted in finance and politics, aims to modernize and enhance Lithuania's ammunition production capabilities, thereby bolstering its defense readiness and contributing to the security of its NATO allies and Ukraine, amidst heightened regional concerns.
