Lithuania and Northrop Grumman have inked a memorandum of understanding to produce medium-caliber ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).
The agreement involves the US defense contractor in the development, production, and supply of 30-millimeter ammunition for IFVs at Lithuania’s state-owned Giraitės Ginkluotės Gamykla (Giraitė Armaments Plant).
Northrop will also share technologies and advanced manufacturing expertise with the Lithuanian industry, consistent with US policy.
This partnership will help to replenish supplies sent to Ukraine in support of its ongoing war with Russia and enhance the security of the Baltic state.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė stated that the partnership will boost the long-term growth and modernization of its defense industry, national security, and the country’s relationship with the US.
It will also “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,” she added.
The memorandum comes five months after Vilnius signed a similar arrangement with German defense company Rheinmetall to build a facility producing 155-millimeter artillery shells.