Lithuania: Defense Industry Must Be Further Strengthened

Lithuania's Defense Minister R. Kaunas urged a significant boost to the defense industry, asserting that Europe must step up its responsibilities and production capabilities. "The United States has said many times that Europe must step forward and take more responsibility. I think we are doing that now. Yes, there may be gaps, but we, Europe, will fill them together," Kaunas told reporters at the Pabradė training ground.

He stressed that strengthening the defense industry is paramount, stating, "What is most important now is the defense industry. We have the money, the will, and the necessary military targets. Now we must move forward in the defense industry – produce more and do it on time." This call comes as German Defense Minister B. Pistorius visited Lithuania, reinforcing a commitment to deploy a brigade-sized military unit in the country. The German unit, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers and civilians, is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

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The United States has said many times that Europe must step forward and take more responsibility. I think we are doing that now. Yes, there may be gaps, but we, Europe, will fill them together.

The emphasis on increased defense production reflects a broader European effort to enhance security and self-reliance, partly in response to U.S. expectations for greater European contributions to collective defense. The collaboration with Germany, including the planned deployment of troops, highlights Lithuania's strategic role in regional security and its active participation in strengthening NATO's eastern flank.

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What is most important now is the defense industry. We have the money, the will, and the necessary military targets. Now we must move forward in the defense industry – produce more and do it on time.