Lithuania and US defense contractor Northrop Grumman have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to produce medium-caliber ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles.
The MOU involves the defense contractor firm in the development, production, and supply of 30-millimeter ammunition for IFVs at Lithuania’s state-owned Giraitės Ginkluotės Gamykla (Giraitė Armaments Plant).
Northrop will also share technologies and advanced manufacturing expertise with the Lithuanian industry, consistent with US policy.
This partnership will help to replenish supplies in support of Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia and enhance the security of the Baltic state.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė stated that the partnership will boost the long-term growth and modernization of their defense industry, their national security, and the country’s relationship with the US.
It will also “create clear value for Lithuania and for our region as a whole, which in the face of security challenges has an interest in minimising dependence on long supply chains,” she added.
The MOU comes five months after Vilnius signed a similar arrangement with German defense company Rheinmetall to build a facility producing 155-millimeter artillery shells.
