“Rheinmetall and Lithuania Forge Ahead with Cutting-Edge Artillery Ammunition Facility”
Lithuania and Rheinmetall are launching the construction of a cutting-edge facility for 155mm artillery munitions. The essential agreements, including a land lease contract and a procurement contract for 155mm ammunition, were finalized at a ceremony held on 29 November 2024. The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ms Ingrida Šimonytė, the Lithuanian Minister for the Economy and Innovation, Ms Aušrinė Armonaite, and the Minister of National Defence, Mr Laurynas Kasčiūnas, graced the occasion.
With the initiation of construction in Baisogala, Lithuania is advancing in fortifying its defense capabilities. A state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, featuring shell production and loading assembly facilities, is being developed in the municipality on an expanse of approximately 340 hectares. The plant is set to commence operations in mid-2026 and, upon completion, will have the capacity to manufacture tens of thousands of 155mm caliber artillery rounds annually. An investment of 180 million euros is being made directly in Lithuania, facilitating the creation of around 150 local jobs. Local enterprises and the regional economy will be incorporated into the supply chain.
“From the outset, the dialogue between the Lithuanian Government and Rheinmetall has centered on a shared understanding of the necessity and urgency of this initiative. I am exceedingly pleased that today marks the commencement of construction for the artillery munitions production plant. Our defense requirements, the significance of the most efficient supply chains, and robust partnership between Lithuania and Germany underscore the imperative to sustain this collaborative spirit,” states Ingrida Šimonytė, Prime Minister of Lithuania.
“We at Rheinmetall are immensely appreciative of the confidence that Lithuania has bestowed upon us. It is and continues to be our objective at Rheinmetall to serve as a cornerstone of both national and international security provision. This enduring collaboration with Lithuania reinforces this commitment once again,” remarks Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.
“Considering the escalating security challenges, we must transition from dialogue to decisive actions to enhance our nation’s defense capabilities. By promoting large-scale investment initiatives and enabling domestic armament production, we not only meet national security requirements but also diminish our reliance on foreign arms. I am confident that Lithuania is progressing in the right direction, and it is encouraging to witness global leaders such as Rheinmetall actively participating in this advancement,” asserts Aušrinė Armonaitė, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
“The establishment of the German defense firm Rheinmetall’s munitions facility in Lithuania is not only vital within the scope of the defense industry’s evolution but will also meet the demands of our military forces. While the process was quite intricate, I am grateful to my colleagues that, through joint efforts, we achieved an agreement on this historic project essential for our national security,” highlights Laurynas Kasčiūnas, the Minister of Defence.
As recently as June 2024, Rheinmetall and the Lithuanian Minister of Economy and Innovation Armonaite finalized an agreement governing the establishment of the German defense entity Rheinmetall in Lithuania. The initiative was designated as having ‘state significance’. Consequently, the Lithuanian Centre of Excellence for Ammunition will receive special investment and operational conditions to expedite the facility’s construction.
_________________________________________________________________________
“In accordance with the regulations of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we wish to inform you that you have received this email as part of a mailing directed to individuals and organizations on our press distribution list. To facilitate this, we have stored your email address, along with other contact information, in our database. Safeguarding your information is paramount to us. If you wish to know what data we are retaining, we would be glad to provide you with that information. Should you prefer that we cease using your information for press and public relations purposes, please inform us. We will then promptly delete your information and remove you from our distribution list.”
