Lithuania to build Leopard 2A8 tank assembly and repair plant in Kaunas

YIT Lietuva, a Finnish‑capital construction firm, signed a design‑build contract with Lithuania Defence Services to develop a new tank assembly and repair facility in the Kaunas LEZ. The plant will cover about 13,000 m² (nearly 10 ha) and is valued at roughly €29 million, with the broader investment project earmarked at up to €50 million.

Construction is set to start in August and finish by November 2027. Once operational, the complex will assemble and service modern Leopard 2A8 tanks and other heavy Lithuanian Army equipment, featuring three gantry cranes, a test track, an immersion pool and other specialised infrastructure. The first domestically assembled tank is expected by late 2028. The site will create up to 100 jobs – around 70 production specialists and 30 administrative staff – and includes plans for parking with electric‑vehicle charging stations. State‑owned Epso‑G Invest is slated to acquire a 25 % stake in Lithuania Defence Services.