Lithuania, Poland deepen defence cooperation, sign industry deal

Lithuania and Poland are strengthening defence cooperation, including plans to acquire Piorun short-range air defence systems, LRT reported on Wednesday.

Lithuanian Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa and Poland’s Secretary of State for Defence Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka discussed further opportunities for bilateral cooperation and the progress of the Piorun acquisition.

During the MSPO international defence industry exhibition, Brolis Semiconductors and Polish defence industry company PCO S.A. also signed a cooperation agreement.

“Lithuania and Poland are strengthening defence cooperation and the defence industries of both countries. It is important for us not only to acquire the capabilities needed by the military, but also to attract investment to Lithuania, create new production opportunities and ensure that Lithuanian companies are increasingly included in international defence industry supply chains,” Aleksa said, according to the Defence Ministry.

The agreement is intended to help Brolis Semiconductors become more involved in Poland’s defence industry supply chains and strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries.

The officials also discussed priorities for the European Union’s future multiannual financial framework, the need to maintain greater focus on strengthening the EU’s defence industry and preparedness, and continued support for Ukraine. They exchanged experience on using the SAFE instrument.

During the exhibition in Kielce, Aleksa met representatives of Lockheed Martin, KNDS France and Hanwha, and visited Lithuania’s defence industry stand. The ministry described MSPO as one of the world’s largest arms exhibitions and the largest event of its kind in the region.