The construction of modern plant for production of 155mm artillery ammunition has been launched in Baisogala, Lithuania. The project which is between the government of Lithuania and the German defense company Rheinmetall was launched on the 29th of November 2024 in the presence of the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida ล imonytฤ, the Minister for the Economy and Innovation Auลกrinฤ Armonaitฤ and the Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasฤiลซnas.
The project will bring an investment of โฌ180 million directly to Lithuania, as well as the creation of 150 direct jobs and the inclusion of Lithuanian companies into the production supply chain.
Plant Size, Start of production
The sprawling 340-hectare facility will significantly strengthen Lithuania’s defence industry and economic resilience. Operations will kick off in mid-2026, with the plant gearing up to manufacture tens of thousands of 155mm caliber artillery rounds annually, directly bolstering Lithuania’s security and Europe’s defence readiness.
The Prime Minister Ingrida ล imonytฤ emphasized the important part of the cooperation in the following terms: โSince the beginning of our conversations with the Lithuanian Government, both sides have been on the same page as to why this construction of artillery ammunition Plant is crucial.โ
The CEO of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger thanked Lithuania for the trust:
โThis is why it remains the ambition of Rheinmetall to be one of the key providers to national and international security. This long-term cooperation with Lithuania only strengthens this position. โ
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Why construction of artillery ammunition Plant in Lithuania now?
โAs the security environment continues to deteriorate, it is no longer enough to make statements and wait for things to happen; we must act and ensure the enhancement of the defense capabilities of our nation. Through the large-scale investment projects and the domestic production of weapons, we not only fulfill the requirements of national security but also reduce the dependence on arms imported from the international market. I have no doubt that Lithuania is pursuing the right strategy and it is encouraging to see major international corporations such as Rheinmetall commit their support,โ states Auลกrinฤ Armonaitฤ, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
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โIt is therefore important that such enterprises as the German defense industry company Rheinmetall are establishing their ammunition factory in Lithuania, which will meet the requirements of our armed forces. It was rather complicates, but I am happy and thankful to my colleagues for that, we were able to achieve this great and important achievement for our national security, โ states the Minister of Defence Laurynas Kasฤiลซnas.
Agreement signing
The construction of artillery ammunition Plant in Lithuania came after the signing of an agreement in June 2024, which gave the project โstate significanceโ status, thus enabling the fast tracking of the processes and the provision of favourable conditions for the establishment of the plant. The plant will also incorporate advanced shell manufacturing and load assembly pack integrations hence enhancing Lithuaniaโs position in the defence industry.
Artillery Ammunition Plant in Baisogala, Lithuania
Project Overview
- Location: Baisogala, Lithuania
- Project Launch Date: 29 November 2024
- Project Partners: Lithuanian Government and Rheinmetall
Investment & Economic Impact
- Total Investment: โฌ180 million
- Job Creation: 150 direct jobs
- Supply Chain Integration: Lithuanian companies included in production process
Facility Specifications
- Total Area: 340 hectares
- Production Capacity: Tens of thousands of 155mm caliber artillery rounds annually
- Planned Production Start: Mid-2026
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens Lithuania’s defence industry
- Enhances national and European defence preparedness
- Reduces dependence on international arms imports
- Advanced shell manufacturing and load assembly capabilities
Key Project Milestones
- June 2024: Agreement signed, granted ‘state significance’ status
- November 2024: Official project launch ceremony
- Mid-2026: Anticipated start of operations
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