Lithuania to Establish Innovation and Security Center for National Defense Industry

Lithuania is set to establish the Vytis Center dedicated to the development, testing, and certification of technologies in the defense and security fields.

According to the official website of the Ministry of Defense, the center is expected to be fully operational by 2028, with initial activities commencing as early as 2026.

A total of up to €20 million is planned to be invested in its establishment. The center will become a key element in the development of Lithuania’s defense industry.

Vytis will focus on developing innovative technologies, including drone systems for aerial and maritime applications, autonomous threat detection systems, reconnaissance satellites, military communication solutions, and mobile energy systems.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense emphasized that these developments will meet the needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Ministry of National Defense, and NATO standards.

“The center will provide modern infrastructure for the rapid implementation of innovations, which is critically important in the face of current challenges such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” Lukas Savickas, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, shared.

A consortium that includes Tech-Park Kaunas (coordinator), Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Innovation Agency Lithuania, Directorate of Inland Waterways, and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union is implementing the project.

They will join forces to create laboratories, engineering workshops, and testing grounds that will support startups as well as small, medium, and large enterprises.

In addition to establishing the center, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation is preparing a broader initiative worth over €300 million. The program will include grants, loans, and investments to support the entire innovation cycle – from idea to export.

Priority areas have been identified as photonics, laser technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and advanced materials. Starting in 2026, €34 million will be allocated for company development, with an additional €6 million dedicated to innovative partnerships for creating mature technological solutions.

Militarnyi previously reported that Lithuania and Ukraine reached a preliminary agreement on developing joint production of “strategic weapons” in Lithuania.