Rheinmetall starts work on a new Lithuanian artillery factory
Rheinmetall has further expanded its ammunition manufacturing capability. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall’s new factory in Lithuania will produce hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and operations will begin in 2026.
Construction work has begun on a new ammunition plant in Lithuania led by German company Rheinmetall, which will eventually be making tens of thousands of 155mm calibre artillery shells per year.
The facility is the result of €180 million (US$190 million) investment and operations will begin from mid-2026.
Rheinmetall has been developing substantially greater ammunition and shell manufacturing capability since as far back as 2022 when it purchased Spain’s Expal Systems.
Related Articles
Rheinmetall hands over more Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine
Canada places $231 million order for 85 Rheinmetall HX trucks
It has also begun the production of artillery shells in Queensland, Australia and is establishing a vehicle joint venture in Ukraine.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rheinmetall has received orders for billions of dollars for 120mm and155mm artillery shells, 35mm munitions and 60mm, 81mm and 120mm calibre mortar rounds.
Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė said: “Our defence needs, the importance of the shortest possible supply chains, and strong allied partnership between Lithuania and Germany underscore the need to maintain the momentum.”
Lithuania’s Minister of the Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė said the development was vitally important to the country’s national security in the light of ongoing wars and demands for ammunition.
“By fostering large-scale investment projects and enabling local production of weaponry, we not only address national security needs but also reduce our dependence on arms procured from international markets,” Armonaitė said.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Oshkosh awarded $215 million in truck contracts]()
Oshkosh awarded $215 million in truck contracts
Oshkosh Defence has sold more than 2,000 Family of Medium Truck Vehicles (FMTV) A2 trucks and completed air drops of the M1093A2 (A2) FMTV trucks from Boeing C-17 heavy lift and Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical lift aircraft in 2024.
-
![UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems]()
UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
-
![GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025]()
GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is building the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Approximately 500 ARV 30mm autocannon (ARV-30) are expected to be procured by the USMC.
-
![Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown]()
Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown
Despite recently releasing an Request for Information (RfI) under the IVAS programme, it remains unclear if the US Army will recompete the initiative.
-
![Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence]()
Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
