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

Ukrainian made Bohdana self-propelled howitzer. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen/EPA
Copy

VILNIUS - Lithuania is considering investing in Ukraine's defense industry, with the production of artillery systems and drones among the possible areas of investment, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas says.

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.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas. Photo: Yauhen Yerchak/ZUMAPRESS.com

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."

Combat drones made by five Lithuanian manufacturers passed the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's tests in a frontline environment and would be sent to Ukraine. It was a second test, as the Lithuanian drones had failed the first one.

‘Lyut 2.0’ is an Ukrainian ground drone combat platform. Unmanned vehicles are booming in Ukraine in all domains.
‘Lyut 2.0’ is an Ukrainian ground drone combat platform. Unmanned vehicles are booming in Ukraine in all domains. Photo: Ukrainian Defense Forces

Lithuania now plans to send Lithuanian-made drones worth 5 million euros to Ukraine, with the first ones expected to reach the country in September.

This year, Lithuania has already handed over 155 mm ammunition, M577 armored personnel carriers, M113 armored personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, ammunition for the Carl Gustaf anti-tank grenade launcher, RISE-1 remote detonation systems, power generators, a dismantled L-39ZA Albatros light attack aircraft, and other support to Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the war, Lithuania has provided more than 641 million euros in military assistance to Ukraine.

Copy

Terms

Top