Vilnius discusses future of European defence with focus on Ukraine’s experience and US role

A defence industry conference in Vilnius has brought together hundreds of participants, with Lithuanian businesses seeking to establish partnerships with foreign companies, LRT reports.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda highlighted the potential for cooperation with Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and joint projects. With the US considering a reduction in its troop presence in Europe, the continent’s defence industry may need to develop alternatives to American systems.

Lithuanian defence technology firm NT Service, known for its anti-drone systems used in Ukraine and by Lithuania’s military, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French naval giant Naval Group. The collaboration focuses on anti-drone technologies, with Naval Group planning shipbuilding projects in the Baltic Sea region and seeking to involve local businesses.

The conference, organized by the Defence and Security Industry Association, includes over 500 business meetings. In recent years, the global defence industry has increasingly sought to address the specific needs of European armed forces.

Vincas Jurgutis, an advisor to the association, stressed the need for long-term strategies and recognition of business as an equal part of the defence ecosystem. “Without businesses, manufacturers, and service providers, it is impossible for a state to be resilient—and we see this everywhere, including in Ukraine,” he said.

Ukraine currently holds the most advanced defence technologies and experiences in Europe but has been reluctant to share them, using them as political leverage. President Nausėda discussed this issue with Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, expressing hope that existing agreements would translate into practical examples of cooperation.

NATO military leaders, including the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also gathered in Vilnius to discuss the alliance’s direction, defence capabilities, and the impact of potential US troop withdrawals from Europe. General Alexus D. Grynkewich, NATO’s top commander in Europe, assured that the US remains fully committed to defending Lithuania and the Baltic states.

Lithuanian Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras noted that Lithuania already hosts several US units and could easily accommodate more if needed. European leaders acknowledge that as the US shifts its security approach, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence, including developing long-range weapons and intelligence capabilities.