Lithuania deepens defense cooperation with US giant Lockheed Martin

Lithuania is taking a significant step to bolster its defense industry by deepening cooperation with American defense giant Lockheed Martin. The recent agreement, signed during a visit to the U.S., signals a strategic move to integrate Lithuanian companies into global defense supply chains and cultivate advanced technological expertise within the country.

"The signed cooperation agreement with Lockheed Martin and the establishment of their division in Lithuania are not just symbolic steps, but a real opportunity for this defense industry giant to work more closely with Lithuanian institutions, businesses, and the scientific community," stated Lithuanian Deputy Minister of National Defense V. Zumerienė. She emphasized Lithuania's commitment to creating a favorable environment for defense industry growth, aiming to attract new investments and transition from merely purchasing weaponry to becoming an active participant in the defense technology ecosystem.

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Pasirašytas bendradarbiavimo susitarimas su „Lockheed Martin“ ir jų padalinio įsteigimas Lietuvoje – tai ne tik simboliniai žingsniai, bet ir reali galimybė šiai gynybos pramonės milžinei glaudžiau dirbti su Lietuvos institucijomis, verslu ir mokslo bendruomene. Inicijavome šį bendradarbiavimo susitarimą, kuris atspindi Lietuvos atvirumą ir ryžtą kurti palankias sąlygas gynybos pramonei augti – siekiame pritraukti naujų investicijų ir dirbame ties tuo, kad Lietuva ne tik pirktų ginkluotę, bet pati taptų gynybos technologijų ekosistemos dalyve.

This partnership is particularly relevant given Lithuania's existing acquisition of advanced Lockheed Martin systems, such as the HIMARS, which have significantly enhanced the Lithuanian Armed Forces' capabilities, deterrence, and interoperability with allies. The collaboration extends beyond mere arms sales, as highlighted by Gaylia Campbell, Vice President of Tactical Weapons at Lockheed Martin, who noted that exploring joint industrial opportunities expands their global supplier and partner network.

From Lithuania's perspective, this is a crucial development for national security and economic growth. While Western media might focus on the technological advancements and strategic implications for NATO, for Lithuania, this represents a tangible pathway to greater self-sufficiency, technological sovereignty, and a more robust role in regional security. It underscores the nation's ambition to be a key player, not just a consumer, in the global defense landscape, contributing to both its own resilience and the broader security of the Baltic region.

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Mūsų partnerystė su Lietuva žymi naują bendradarbiavimo etapą, kuris peržengia vien tik pasaulinio lygio ginkluotės sistemos tiekimą. Ieškodami bendrų pramonės galimybių, plečiame „Lockheed Martin“ pasaulinį tiekėjų ir partnerių tinklą – būtent tokio požiūrio reikia, kad spėtume tenkinti augančią paklausą mūsų kovomis patikrintoms galimybėms tiek šalies viduje, tiek užsienyje.