Lithuania aims for the German "Leopard" tanks being acquired to be assembled on its territory, involving the local industry in the process. The Ministry of National Defence is currently negotiating with the manufacturers about the possibility of carrying out the assembly work in Lithuania, with local companies or joint ventures with Germany potentially being engaged. The goal is to ensure that as much of the acquisition value as possible remains in Lithuania, contributing to the country’s economy and strengthening its technological capabilities.

This objective, along with possible implementation strategies, has been outlined in negotiations with the manufacturers by Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.

It is also critically important that the acquired equipment is maintained locally, as in times of war or crisis, supply chains may be disrupted or completely cut off. This could make it impossible to deliver spare parts on time or ensure manufacturer support. Experience shows that restoring such supply chains takes time, which directly impacts the readiness and operational use of military equipment. Local maintenance ensures the reliability of the equipment, quick troubleshooting, and reduces dependency on external factors, which become particularly unreliable during wartime.

The first tank company is expected to arrive in Lithuania in 2029, with the full tank battalion to be formed by 2034. However, Lithuania hopes to accelerate this process.

• Facebook
• Linkedin