Lithuania seeks to attract Ukrainian defence firms, open to financial support

The Lithuanian government has expressed interest in attracting additional Ukrainian defence industry companies operating in advanced sectors and has not ruled out providing financial support in certain cases.

Lithuania’s Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas made the remarks in an interview with the public broadcaster, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Vaitiekūnas, Lithuania is particularly keen to bring Ukrainian defence manufacturers from the most technologically advanced fields into the country.

“The state can help put all this mosaic together: share necessary contacts, bring in businesses and in some cases may even provide financial support – part of the activities of the National Development Bank ILTE is currently focused on the development of the defence industry… It would be best if this were a self-sufficient private business that earns money, creates jobs and produces what Lithuania and our partners need,” Vaitiekūnas said.

Lithuania’s primary areas of interest include long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, modern weapon systems, and mines.

The minister also acknowledged that Lithuania is somewhat behind certain countries, such as Denmark, in adopting Ukraine’s latest battlefield experience and technological innovations.

“Lithuania’s defence industry is generally engaged and expanding, but we would like to see more active use of Ukrainian experience and technological know-how,” he added.

Earlier, the Ukrainian government reported that production of Octopus interceptor drones for Ukraine in the United Kingdom is expected to reach 1,000 units per month in February.

In November 2025, Ukraine and Norway also signed an agreement on the joint production of Ukrainian drones.

By Vafa Guliyeva