Lithuania to start buying artillery shells from Rheinmetall directly

The Lithuanian government has approved a direct purchase of 155 mm artillery shells for the country's Armed Forces.

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The shells, which are compatible with the German PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers and French Caesars in service in Lithuania, will be supplied by Rheinmetall. No public procurement review procedures will be conducted for this deal.

This decision was made against the backdrop of Rheinmetall's plans to build a 155 mm ammunition plant in Lithuania, which is in line with the country's strategy to strengthen its defence independence and minimise import risks.

Rheinmetall plans to invest more than €180 million in the construction of the plant, which will be located in the Radviliskis district of northern Lithuania. The plant is expected to create at least 150 new jobs, which will not only support the local economy but also strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

The Ministry of Defence stressed the importance of this step, noting that the in-house production of artillery shells will "reduce the Lithuanian Armed Forces' dependence on foreign markets" and ensure more effective control over production processes.

With local production, Lithuania will have faster and more reliable supply chains, which is critical as defence needs grow. Minister of Defence Laurinas Kasciunas emphasised that the local production requirement was a key condition for the agreement between Lithuania and Rheinmetall.

Source: Defence Industry Europe