Representatives of the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industry Association (LGSPA) today participated in the meeting of the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industry Council.
The main topic of this meeting was legislative initiatives aimed at practically developing the national defence and security industry.

It is important to note that LGSPA was the only business organization to present structured proposals for discussion, once again demonstrating the Association’s leadership in shaping the direction of industry development.

At the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation shared their insights on improving legal regulation. The investment environment for the defence industry and the so-called "green corridor" concept were thoroughly presented by the agency Invest Lithuania.

An important and encouraging development is that state institutions have not only acknowledged LGSPA’s proposals, which have been submitted over many years, but have also taken steps to implement them. The plans presented by Vice Minister of the Interior Gintaras Aliksandravičius reflect growing trust in the private sector and a recognition that existing legal regulations must be reviewed to meet both national security and business development interests.

The Ministry of the Interior emphasized its goal to simplify regulatory mechanisms while maintaining a crucial balance between ensuring state and public security. Most of LGSPA’s proposals were fully aligned with the Ministry’s position; however, some issues – such as the liberalization of trade in Category A weapons, ammunition, and explosives – remain unresolved.

Lithuania remains the only EU country where the trade of Category A weapons, ammunition, explosives, and their components is prohibited if the seller is not a manufacturer. This poses real obstacles to the growth of national production – especially considering that by the end of this year, new Lithuanian manufacturers are expected to produce anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, as well as explosive payloads for drones. It is important to note that even the state-owned company Detonas, an explosives manufacturer, will not be able to supply the necessary explosives to Lithuanian mine and payload producers, as it does not produce such explosives itself.

In summary – a more decisive approach by state institutions and their willingness to cooperate with the national defence industry is a positive step forward. During the meeting, Council members were given a two-week deadline to submit proposals for amendments to legal provisions – enabling a shift from ideas to real solutions. Nevertheless, it remains essential to continue raising critical issues, promoting responsible regulatory reviews, and ensuring that Lithuania’s defence industry has every opportunity to grow and compete internationally.