Ukrainian Naval Drones Near Production in Lithuania. Why Them

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė and Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal have signed a letter of intent on producing Ukrainian weapons in Lithuania, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said.

The document outlines cooperation on production, including the types of weapons to be manufactured and the next steps. It provides for joint defense production, technology transfer, project development, and localization of production in Lithuania.

Officials said this decision is expected to lay the groundwork for a long-term partnership, enhance European security, and contribute to the creation of sustainable supply chains.

In an exclusive interview with Militarnyi, Šakalienė stated that Lithuania is considering manufacturing naval drones under a “1+1” scheme, involving one drone for Ukraine and one for Lithuania. She noted particular interest in the Magura line of drones.

Under such a model, two drones would be produced in Lithuania, one transferred to Ukraine, and one kept by Lithuania. Lithuania would bear production costs for both.

In addition to naval drones, the ministry has expressed interest in Ukrainian surface strike vehicles, missile drones, and other weapons that could also be produced under the “1+1” scheme.

Šakalienė said the decision to host production comes amid Russia’s preparations for a possible war with Europe. She warned that Europe may have only two to three years to prepare sufficient forces to counter Russia.

Lithuania has also allocated €20 million to finance individual projects of Ukraine’s defense industry.

“We believe cooperation in areas related to missile drones, sea drones, and other technologies is very promising,” Šakalienė stated.

In April 2025, the Lithuanian government funded the purchase of Ukrainian long-range weapons worth €10 million for Ukraine’s defense forces, Militarnyi reported.