Lithuania and Northrop Grumman have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand joint production of medium-caliber ammunition, building on an initial agreement reached in September 2024.
Announced at the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague, the agreement involves Northrop and Norwegian defense company Nammo providing Lithuania’s state-owned Giraitė Armaments Plant with 35mm ammunition production capabilities and ongoing technical support.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized the partnership’s importance for the country’s goal to build a national military division by 2030 and to advance its strategic defense independence.
Lithuania has pledged to increase defense spending to 5-6 percent of its GDP annually from 2026 to 2030, enabling investments in tanks and tracked infantry fighting vehicles.
Šakalienė also highlighted that the deal strengthens Lithuania’s ties with NATO allies, including the US and Norway, and supports Ukraine’s defense amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Northrop’s Corporate Vice President Steve O’Bryan said the cooperation will rapidly address critical defense needs while delivering long-term industrial benefits for both Lithuania and the US.
The announcement comes shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of renewed Russian military threats in Europe, underscoring the growing urgency for secure, diversified defense production.
