The President launches construction of the Rheinmetall ammunition plant and negotiations for a second factory

On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Baisogala. This marks the largest defense industry investment in Lithuania's history, symbolizing close strategic cooperation between Lithuania and Germany and both countries' shared determination to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities.

In his address, the President emphasized that the Baisogala ammunition plant is not only an industrial but also a strategic project aimed at reinforcing Europe's deterrence capabilities and ensuring peace on the continent.

"For Lithuania, this state-of-the-art artillery ammunition plant - the largest defense sector investment in our country's history - is not merely an industrial project. It is a strategic step towards building deterrence as a precondition for peace. Today, we are witnessing how the Zeitenwende proclaimed in materializes on the Lithuanian soil - through steel, technology and, most importantly, trust," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda thanked the Rheinmetall's leadership for their confidence in Lithuania, its people and its industrial capacity, stressing that the project will bolster Europe's defense readiness and ensure a reliable ammunition supply chain. "The Rheinmetall factory, once completed, will serve every soldier under NATO's flag. It will contribute to a Europe capable of defending itself and controlling its own ammunition supply. A Europe that cannot be blackmailed or intimidated. A Europe ready to act when action is needed," the President stated.

"You have placed your trust in the Lithuanian people, our industrial capabilities and the future we share. In return, we offer unwavering partnership and hospitality. I can assure you that this factory comes with care - care for the environment, for your homes, for your safety. And it will bring new economic opportunities for the entire community and for generations to come," the President added.

During the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was also signed, launching negotiations for the establishment of a second Rheinmetall plant in Lithuania - a modular propellant manufacturing facility. "The upcoming negotiations with Rheinmetall on a second factory in Lithuania demonstrate our country's ambition and enduring potential - both essential in today's world, marked by instability but also by new opportunities," the President said.

The Lithuanian leader also noted Germany's historic decision to permanently station a brigade in Lithuania, calling it one of the most important milestones in the shared history of the two nations. "As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a few months ago: 'the security of Lithuania is also our security. The protection of Vilnius is the protection of Berlin,'" the President stated.

President Nausėda underlined that Lithuania is determined to make a strong contribution to collective defense - next year, national defense spending is projected to reach 5.38 percent of GDP - a clear sign of Lithuania's commitment to building the shields that protect us all. "We act today to secure tomorrow. So let this day stand as everlasting proof of our shared resolve and friendship!" the President concluded.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Germany's Parliamentary State Secretary for Defense Nils Schmid Nils Schmid, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Minister of the Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, Minister of the Interior and Acting Minister of National Defense Vladislavas Kondratovičius, Mayor of Radviliškis District Kazimieras Račkauskis, and EPSO-G CEO Mindaugas Keizeris.