Lithuania has signed a new memorandum of understanding with Northrop Grumman to expand co-production of medium-caliber ammunition, further developing a partnership that began in September 2024.
The agreement, formalized during the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague, will see Northrop and Norwegian defense partner Nammo help Lithuania’s Giraitė Armaments Plant establish production lines for 35mm ammunition and provide essential manufacturing support.
Lithuanian Vice Minister of Defence Loreta Maskaliovienė said the deal enhances the country’s ability to strengthen its armed forces and positions Lithuania as a significant player in international defense supply chains.
Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė called the expanded cooperation critical to Lithuania’s military build-up, particularly in reaching its 2030 goal of establishing a full national division and achieving greater defense self-reliance.
Lithuania recently announced plans to commit 5-6 percent of its GDP to defense annually between 2026 and 2030, aiming to fund major acquisitions like tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
Šakalienė added that the agreement bolsters partnerships with NATO allies, including the US and Norway, and enhances support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Northrop’s Steve O’Bryan emphasized that the project will quickly meet urgent defense requirements while delivering lasting industrial advantages for both countries.
The expanded agreement follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s warning of increasing Russian military activity in Europe, reinforcing the need for resilient defense production capabilities.
