Lithuania to double production of small arms ammunition

The production volume of small arms ammunition at the Lithuanian defence plant in Giraitė near Kaunas will be doubled thanks to the state's financial contribution of more than €11 million, a government meeting has decided.

"It has been decided to increase the company's authorised capital by €11.16 million, which means that the factory in Giraitė will be able to build another production line and double the production of ammunition," Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste said at the meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The defence company in Giraitė belongs to the state. Its authorised capital will amount to €22.3 million after the cabinet's decision.

The products of the ammunition factory in Giraitė, which is the only one in the Baltic States, are used by the army, law enforcement services, NATO structures and civilians who have the right to bear arms. The plant produces small arms ammunition of 30 mm calibre.

In October, the Lithuanian Ministry of Finance committed to investing 36 million euros in the expansion of an ammunition plant in Giraitė. This strategic investment aims to enhance the plant's production capacity, focusing on small-calibre cartridges essential for both military and civilian needs.

The expansion project will be completed in phases, with 11.2 million euros allocated in the first phase this year. This funding will enable the construction of a new production line, which is set to begin ahead of schedule. By 2027, the plant's production capacity will increase from 60 million to 120 million cartridges annually, and the company's turnover is projected to rise to approximately 50 million euros. This initiative underscores Lithuania’s commitment to boosting its defence industry and meeting both domestic and international demands for ammunition.

By Khagan Isayev