Lithuania has already carried out the necessary preparatory work for Rheinmetall’s planned artillery ammunition plant, but “there’s still work to be done”, Economy and Innovation Minister Aušrinė Armonaitė said on Wednesday.
“Some elements are confidential, as they involve trade secrets. There are a few things – we want this project to be of maximum benefit to Lithuania economically and in terms of national security. There’s still work to be done, and a lot depends on the company itself,” the minister said when asked about the outstanding issues between the Lithuanian and German sides.
Armonaitė said work is continuing with Rheinmetall on specific financing mechanisms.
“Since this is such a large-scale project, we need to keep working with the company to clarify the financing mechanisms. But a lot depends on the company itself. We want to do as much homework as quickly as possible. In fact, we’ve practically done it. Either this government or the next will have to complete this very important project,” she said.
The minister added that discussions with Rheinmetall are also ongoing regarding the production of ammunition that meets Lithuania’s needs.
“This is one of the key topics because the ammunition must be adaptable to Lithuania’s needs as well. I cannot comment in detail because this is confidential information,” she said.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Lithuanian government endorsed a special-purpose plan for a 339-hectare plot of state-owned land near Baisogala in the northern district of Radviliškis, changing its designation from agricultural to industrial and warehousing use.
Rheinmetall plans to invest more than 180 million euros in its 155 mm artillery ammunition factory, which is expected to create at least 150 new jobs in Lithuania.
The investment agreement with Rheinmetall, the Rheinmetall Group's parent company, and Rheinmetall Defense Lietuva, which has been operating in Lithuania since 2018, was signed in early June.
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