Lithuania has announced that it will host the assembly of German-made Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks as part of a major new defence industrial cooperation framework with leading German manufacturers Rheinmetall Landsysteme and KNDS Deutschland.

The initiative marks one of the most significant advancements in Lithuania’s defence sector and its integration into NATO’s broader military production ecosystem.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry, the state energy holding EPSO-G, and the two German defence firms. The agreement lays the foundation for establishing assembly and long-term maintenance facilities for Leopard 2A8 tanks on Lithuanian soil.

The ministry said the decision will enable the fastest possible delivery of the tanks while creating the conditions needed to strengthen the country’s domestic defence industry. The planned facility will also provide direct support to the German brigade stationed in Lithuania and could eventually offer maintenance services for armored vehicles operated by other NATO allies.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas hailed the agreement as a historic milestone for the country. “For the first time in Lithuania’s history, we will be part of producing one of NATO’s most advanced main battle tanks,” Kaunas said. He added that the initiative will boost the operational capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and contribute to long-term growth in Lithuania’s defence sector.

The assembly plant will be built in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone, with the first Leopard 2A8 expected to be completed in early 2028.

Officials stressed that the cooperation framework will strengthen Lithuania’s technical readiness, expand its industrial capacity, and deepen its integration into Europe’s rapidly evolving defence production network. (ILKHA)