Lithuania expands defense industry with automatic weapon assembly

The state-owned Giraitė Armaments Factory has launched a new phase of operations focused on the assembly of automatic weapons in Lithuania. This initiative is being conducted in partnership with the Israeli arms manufacturer EMTAN.

The project will proceed in three distinct stages: initial staff training and logistics preparation, the assembly of weapons in Lithuania using components supplied by the partner, and a final stage involving the domestic production of rifle components. The goal is to transition from a mere assembler to a manufacturer of parts, thereby increasing technological competence and value-added production.

The first 15 automatic weapons have already been assembled and delivered to Lithuanian institutions, including the Union of Lithuanian Riflemen, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of National Defence. These weapons meet NATO standards and are compatible with ammunition produced at the Giraitė facility.

Beyond meeting domestic security needs, the project aims to bolster Lithuania's export potential. The factory currently exports to over 30 countries, and the expansion into small arms aligns with increased demand from NATO and European nations seeking new suppliers. Additionally, the factory is investing in expanding its ammunition production capacity, with plans to double output by 2029.