The Lithuanian government on November 16 adjusted next year’s draft budget to allow raising defence spending to 3% of GDP through borrowed funds, provided that the overall budget deficit in 2023 did not exceed 4.9% of GDP. This would allow the government “to borrow between the level of 2.5% of GDP and 3% of GDP…
Georgia’s domestic production of drones will launch next year following the testing of the first unmanned aerial vehicle produced by the newly established joint Georgian-Polish company, defence minister Juansher Burchuladze said on November 14. Burchuladze noted the Delta-WB production had received the advance payment for the task, with the test models to leave the conveyor…
The US state department has approved the potential sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment to Lithuania for an estimated cost of $495 million (493.72 million euros). “The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” the agency said on November 10. The…
A framework agreement for the delivery of elements for US and Korean multiple launch rocket systems (MRLS) was approved on November 9 by Poland’s defence minister. The agreement between the Armaments Agency and the PGZ-WWR consortium defines the terms and conditions for concluding executive contracts for the incorporation of elements produced in Poland, including vehicles…
Five Lithuanian companies sanctioned by Moscow say they have no business relations with Moscow. The firms, active in military and technology sectors, were among 74 foreign firms sanctioned by Russia. The Lithuanian companies named in the sanctions list are Aviabaltika Aviation Ltd (which is linked to Aviabaltika), Helisota, Defensus, ASU Baltija and Defensa. It was…
Lithuania’s State Defence Council will decide on the handover of howitzers and air defence systems to Ukraine by considering not only the defence chief’s advice, but also the political situation and other aspects, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said. Two weeks ago, Defence Chief Valdemaras Rupsys said he would suggest at the next meeting of…
Lithuania has signed a contract on the acquisition of Spanish mortars, the Ministry of Defence reports. Towed 120-mm EXPAL 120-MX2-SM mortars will be supplied by Spain’s EXPAL Systems, S.A. for 9.8 million euros, including mortars and their parts. The company was chosen because it offered the best price, the ministry said. The weapons are to…