Lithuania signs agreement on assembly of Leopard 2A8 tanks
The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, together with KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall Landsysteme and the state-owned energy group EPSO G, have signed a memorandum of industrial cooperation for the assembly and maintenance of Leopard 2A8 tanks in Lithuania.
The project envisages the creation of production and service infrastructure in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone. Lithuania Defence Services, a joint venture with the participation of German defence giants, will invest around EUR 50 million and create approximately 100 jobs. A 25.1 per cent stake in the company is to be transferred to EPSO G Invest, and the parties are to agree on detailed terms of cooperation in 2026.
According to the agreement, some of the tanks will be assembled directly in Lithuania, which should reduce delivery times and strengthen the national defence industry. In addition to assembly, the company will be responsible for the maintenance, repair and support of the Leopard 2A8, and in the future, for servicing armoured vehicles of other allies, including the German brigade stationed in the country.
According to representatives of Lithuania Defence Services, the first tank assembled in Lithuania is due to be produced in early 2028, and the contract is expected to be completed by the end of 2030. Earlier, the delivery of Leopard 2A8 to Lithuania was scheduled for 2029-2034, but the new arrangements allowed to reduce the schedule.
Vilnius emphasises that this is the first time that modern armoured vehicles of NATO standard will be partially produced in Lithuania. The project is considered strategic for strengthening the country's defence capabilities, attracting advanced military technologies and strengthening cooperation with key European partners.
