Northrop Grumman, Lithuania to Collaborate on Allied Defense Industrial Cooperation

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Northrop Grumman Corporation and the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their intention to work together to support Lithuanian industry in their ability to produce medium-caliber ammunition for Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

• The MOU facilitates collaboration by allowing Northrop Grumman to share technologies and advanced manufacturing expertise with Lithuanian industry, consistent with United States policy.
• Supporting allies’ indigenous defense industrial capabilities is key to replenishing stockpiles and enhancing the munitions supply chains. 

Experts:

Ingrida Šimonytė, prime minister, Lithuania: “Partnership with companies from our closest allies with the highest competences and vast experience in the defence industry is a major boost for the long-term growth and modernisation of Lithuania's defence industry, as well as for our national security, which is and will remain a priority. This project, while also strengthening the long-standing close relationship between Lithuania and the US, will 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.”

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, defence minister, Lithuania: "The partnership with Northrop Grumman, a U.S. defence technology company, is a significant milestone for our defence industry. By integrating advanced American technologies, we are not only strengthening our national security, but also paving the way for future innovations in defence industry.”

Gintarė Skaistė, finance minister, Lithuania: "This project will be another important step forward in the development of Lithuania's defence industry. We hope that the cooperation with our American allies will strengthen the country's security and preparedness, while also benefiting the wider region, including Ukraine. We anticipate that the project will be developed together with the state-owned Giraitės Ginkluotės Gamykla (Giraitė Armaments Plant), thus meeting the broader strategic objective of strengthening the country's defence industry.”

Steve O’Bryan, corporate vice president and global business development officer, Northrop Grumman: “This collaboration will help grow Lithuania’s defense industrial capacity and is keeping with our company’s commitment to supporting U.S. and allied countries though industry partnerships across the globe.”

Details:

For decades, Northrop Grumman’s innovations in ammunition have led to cutting-edge defenses. The company is a technology leader in the design, testing and production of a complete family of 30 mm tactical and training ammunition accurate and lethal in anti-armor, anti-material, ground suppression, air defense and shipboard-defense applications fired from land-, air- and sea-based platforms worldwide.