Leopard tanks could be mounted in Lithuania / day

« In the coming weeks, tank manufacturers will arrive to discuss the details of tank assembly in Lithuania. This is very positive because it means that a significant part of the value will be created in Lithuania, » she told BNS.

Lithuania plans to buy 44 « Leopard » tanks produced by the German company KNDS.

Shakaliene did not specify which companies could be involved in the assembly process.

« There are some initial options, including German and Lithuanian joint ventures that could do a significant part of the job, » the minister said.

« When the manufacturers are here, we will discuss how the assembly could be implemented in such a way as to ensure timely supply of tanks and to maintain as much value of added value in Lithuania as possible, » she added.

According to the initial agreement, tanks are expected to be delivered to the first decoration in Lithuania in 2029, but the full tank battalion will be created by 2034.

As the Minister said, an advance payment will be made in the coming months to speed up the delivery.

« Now we hope the first tanks could start arriving in 2028. Most could be delivered in 2029, but the remaining tanks would be delivered in 2030, » she said.

Lithuania is trying to speed up supplies to the aim of establishing a fully functioning division of the National Army by 2030.