Ukraine and Lithuania Forge Defense Partnership to Develop Unmanned Systems and Technological Solutions
In a significant move to enhance defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Lithuania have officially signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at producing unmanned systems, their components, electronic warfare technologies, and other advanced technological solutions.
The agreement was established during a meeting where Ukraineโs Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, along with Lithuaniaโs Minister of Defense, Laurynas Kasฤiลซnas, and Ukraineโs Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, put pen to paper to formalize their commitment to defense collaboration.
โLithuania is a good friend of Ukraine,โ Smetanin stated in a Telegram post following the ceremony, highlighting the two countriesโ growing partnership. He noted, โWe have several signed documents on defense innovations, Lithuanian companies are members of the Alliance of Defense Industries, and the Lithuanian government allocates funds for the production of weapons in Ukraine."
This agreement reflects an ongoing trend of increased cooperation between the two nations, especially in response to Russiaโs continued aggression against Ukraine. As part of their defense support, Lithuania has significantly ramped up its investments in military capabilities and has been a strong ally to Kyiv.
In September, Lithuania donated 5,000 locally manufactured first-person view drones to Ukraine, adding to its ongoing support which includes military equipment such as generators, ammunition, and mortar rounds provided in early November.
Moreover, in early August 2024, Lithuania announced an extensive military package that includes 14 M113 armored personnel carriers and short-range air defense systems, alongside tactical equipment and counter-drone systems, to further bolster Ukraineโs defense efforts.
This newly signed memorandum not only encompasses joint research projects but also aims to foster collaborative development of cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to counter existing security challenges and bolster their respective military capabilities.
