Lithuania Makes Waves with Defense Boost, Arms Deal, and Cyber Security Pact
Lithuania is making significant moves on the international stage, investing in national security, strengthening its defenses, and forging partnerships with key allies. In a series of rapidly developing events, the Baltic nation announced a major weapons factory deal with Germany, a push towards domestic defense expansion, and a joint cyber security operation with the United States.
German Arms Factory to Bolster Lithuanian Defense
Boosting its military capabilities, Lithuania will soon be home to a cutting-edge artillery ammunition factory. German defense giant Rheinmetall will build the facility in the Radviliški region, with operations projected to begin by mid-2026.
The factory represents a €180 million investment by Rheinmetall and is expected to create at least 150 new jobs. Lithuania will purchase 155mm artillery ammunition from the factory, ammunition compatible with the German "PzH 2000" and French "Caesar" howitzers used by the Lithuanian army.
Lithuania Scraps AirBaltic Acquisition Plans
Meanwhile, Lithuania has opted against acquiring shares in the Latvian airline AirBaltic. This decision comes after months of deliberation, during which Lithuanian officials explored the possibility of investing in the airline and basing some of its planes within the country.
AirBaltic, which had planned an initial public offering (IPO) this year, has postponed the move until 2025. The IPO was expected to raise around €300 million for the airline.
Cyber Defense Pact Strengthens US-Lithuanian Ties
Lithuania and the United States have solidified their commitment to cybersecurity by agreeing to develop a joint cyber defense structure. The initiative will create the Lithuanian Cyber Defense Command (LTCYBERCOM) to foster cooperation and facilitate analysis of cyber threats.
This strategic move aligns with a new five-year bilateral cybersecurity and defense cooperation plan, covering key areas such as bolstering military cybersecurity capabilities and enhancing the resilience of social and critical infrastructure.
Fraud Prevention Center to Combat Online Scams
In a bid to protect citizens from rising online fraud, Lithuania will establish a dedicated 24-hour fraud prevention center. Police Commissioner Arūnas Paulauskas announced the plan, though a launch date hasn’t yet been announced.
The center will be staffed by specialists tasked with preventing fraudulent bank transfers and identifying malicious websites.
Baltic Sea Security Gains Momentum
Lithuania has expressed its support for Poland’s proposal to establish a "Baltic Sea Police Mission" to safeguard vital infrastructure in the region. The idea, put forth by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, follows the recent severing of two underwater telecommunications cables – one connecting Lithuania and Sweden, the other between Germany and Finland.
Lithuania Lends Support to Ukraine’s Energy Sector
Lithuania is stepping up its support for Ukraine’s energy sector with a €5 million contribution towards the installation of solar panel power plants. The move aims to help Ukraine rebuild its energy infrastructure, which has suffered significant damage since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Overall, Lithuania’s total aid to Ukraine will reach €1.45 billion by the end of the year.
DHL Cargo Plane Crash Investigated
A DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius International Airport, tragically claiming the life of one crew member, a 48-year-old Spanish citizen. Three others on board – another Spaniard, a German, and a Lithuanian – sustained injuries. Investigators have sent the plane’s black box to Germany for analysis.
Lithuanian Nuclear Plans Emerge
Lithuania is considering the construction of five small nuclear reactors to meet its future energy demands. Acting Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys stated that achieving the best prices for both businesses and citizens would necessitate a capacity of 1.5 GW, equivalent to 300 MW small nuclear reactors, by 2040. Lithuania has signed an agreement with the United States to share expertise in the development of next-generation nuclear technology, including analysis of small reactor business models and their feasibility.
Defense Budget Increase on the Horizon
The incoming Lithuanian government is poised to raise the planned loan limit for defense purposes in the 2025 budget. This decision aligns with President Gitan Nausėda’s call to increase defense spending to at least 3.5% of GDP. While acknowledging the ambitious nature of this target, Finance Minister-designate Rimantas Šadžius emphasized the need for sustainable funding to ensure long-term defense capabilities.
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2024-11-30 06:00:00
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## Lithuania: Small Nation, Big Defense Moves
**An Interview with Dr. Rasa Jarasiuniene, Director of the Institute for Strategic Analyses at Vilnius University**
**World Today News:** Dr. Jarasiuniene, Lithuania has been making headlines for some bold moves recently, especially in defense and security.Could you provide some context for these developments?
**dr. Jarasiuniene:** Absolutely.lithuania is taking a pragmatic approach to its security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing war in Ukraine serve as stark reminders of the potential threats facing smaller NATO members like Lithuania.
These developments have underscored the importance of bolstering national defense capabilities and forging strong alliances.
**World Today News:** The planned German artillery ammunition factory is a significant investment. What are the strategic implications of this deal for Lithuania?
**Dr. Jarasiuniene:** This is a keystone in Lithuania’s strategy for self-reliance. By creating a domestic production capability for key artillery ammunition, Lithuania reduces its dependence on external suppliers in a crisis situation.
Moreover, the collaboration with Rheinmetall, a leading European defense industry player, signifies a deepening of Estonian-German security ties. This partnership sends a clear message of solidarity and deterrence to potential aggressors.
**World Today News:** we’ve seen Lithuania scrap the potential AirBaltic acquisition. Does this suggest a shift in priorities towards defense over economic goals?
**Dr. Jarasiuniene:** It’s more nuanced than that. While Lithuania recognizes the importance of economic growth, security takes precedence in the current geopolitical climate.
Investing in a foreign airline, no matter how strategically beneficial, may be perceived as a less urgent priority compared to strengthening immediate defense capabilities. The government is likely making calculated decisions where resources are allocated based on perceived threats and national interests.
**World Today News:** The US-Lithuania cyber defense pact is significant. What are the key benefits for Lithuania?
**dr.Jarasiuniene:** This collaborative initiative is crucial in addressing the rising threat of cyberattacks.
lithuania gains access to US expertise and intelligence sharing, bolstering its ability to detect and respond to increasingly complex cyber threats. It’s about building a more robust cyber defense posture, which is essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure and national security in the digital age.
**World Today news:** Looking ahead,what future developments might we see from Lithuania in terms of its defense and security strategy?
**Dr. Jarasiuniene:** we can anticipate continued investments in modernizing the Lithuanian military, with a focus on acquiring advanced weaponry and technologies.
Strengthening regional cooperation with other Baltic states and NATO allies will also be crucial. Lithuania is likely to remain proactive in advocating for a strong and unified NATO response to Russian aggression.
**World Today news:** dr. Jarasiuniene, thank you for your insights into Lithuania’s evolving security strategy.
**Dr. Jarasiuniene:** My pleasure.
