MUTUAL GAINS FORGE STRONGER TIES ⟩ Lithuania Weighs Investment in Ukraine's Artillery and Drone Industry

Kasčiūnas stated to the Baltic News Service on August 14 that Lithuania has explored opportunities to invest in Ukraine's burgeoning defense industry, identifying areas of mutual interest. "By providing support and making strategic investments, we can not only strengthen our own position but also forge a partnership that is mutually beneficial," said the Minister of Defense.

Potential investment areas include the production of Bohdana artillery systems and drones, including the manufacturing of maritime drones. "There are many opportunities, we will have to do our homework to see what we need most and what Ukraine would be interested in," he said.

Lithuania is currently delivering another military assistance package to Ukraine, which includes 14 M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defense systems with missiles, anti-drone systems, individual anti-drone suppressors, all-terrain vehicles with spare parts, cargo trailers, 20-ton telescopic handlers, wheeled loaders, rifles, ammunition, smoke bombs, and various weapon attachments and parts. The support package is worth around 15 million euros.

"We are enhancing our own capabilities through our support for Ukraine," Kasčiūnas said. "A prime example is the testing of drones destined for Ukraine, which has compelled our drone manufacturers to upgrade their entire technical infrastructure to meet the rigorous standards required. This demonstrates that, by supporting Ukraine, we are simultaneously fortifying our own defenses at home."