Norwegian supplier of defense products Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Lithuanian Western Shipyard Group have signed an agreement to cooperate on implementing the Lithuanian Navy’s fleet renewal program.
As disclosed, this agreement marks the two countries’ commitment to actively develop relations in the areas of high-tech and defense solutions development and to contribute to strengthening security.
The document was signed at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vilnius on the eve of the Norwegian-Lithuanian Business Forum dedicated to defense.
According to Arnoldas Šileika , CEO of WSY Group, this cooperation is a significant step forward – both a proof of the maturity of the Lithuanian maritime engineering industry and the result of sustainable partnerships with Norwegian industry.
“With strong expertise in designing and building specialized vessels and growing experience in building offshore patrol ships, we are actively contributing to the development of the security and defence industry in Lithuania,” he noted.
“Consistent cooperation between Lithuania and Norway in the common value chain forms a solid foundation for new joint steps in developing innovative solutions and growing expertise in the field of maritime defence technologies.”
“ We are pleased to establish a collaboration agreement with the Western Shipyard Group to further strengthen cooperation between our companies and across Norwegian and Lithuanian industry. We look forward to working together on maritime project opportunities such as standardized vessels to support the defence capabilities of the Nordic-Baltic region,” added Eirik Lie , President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Recently, Western Baltic Engineering, in collaboration with Danish design services provider OSK Design, unveiled a conceptual design for Lithuania’s next-generation patrol vessel. The project, named Perkūnas (Thunder), features modern technologies and is designed to strengthen national security through advanced patrol capabilities, bolstering defense operations.
Meanwhile, last week, the Lithuanian Navy commissioned the new LNS H–24 tugboat built by Dutch shipbuilding major Damen. The vessel was named Lokys, the Bear.