• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Address by Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Baisogala

President of the Republic of Lithuania

November 04, 2025

Dear Prime Minister, Members of Government,

Dear Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. Schmid,

Dear Mr. Papperger,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we reaffirm our shared readiness to the deterrence and defense of Europe. Recognizing that European security depends on strong political will, effective defense capabilities and robust defense industry, we break the ground for the Rheinmetall ammunition factory here in Baisogala.

The Lithuanian people understand the true value of freedom. We cherish our commitments to NATO and the European Union as guarantors of our security. We also are ready to provide security to other allies. All for one, one for all! We will do whatever is needed to protect our freedom and the values that we share.

Lithuania stands ready to take part in the collective defense with pride and confidence. With more than 5 percent of GDP to be spent on national defense next year, we are eager to build the shields that protect us all.

We highly appreciate the historic decision of Germany to permanently deploy a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. I am sure this will be inscribed in the books of our shared history. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a few months ago, "The security of Lithuania is also our security. The protection of Vilnius is the protection of Berlin".

For Lithuania, this state-of-the-art artillery ammunition production facility, the largest defense investment in country's history, is not merely an industrial project. It is a strategic step aimed at building deterrence as a precondition for peace.

Today, we witness how the Zeitenwende proclaimed in Berlin materializes on the Lithuanian soil in steel, technology and, most importantly, in trust.

It is with profound gratitude that I address to Rheinmetall leadership today. You have placed your trust in the Lithuanian people, our industrial capabilities and the future we share. In return, we offer unwavering partnership and hospitality. I also greatly appreciate all the efforts made by "EPSO-G Invest" to accelerate the project.

The Rheinmetall factory, when completed, will serve every soldier under NATO's flag. It will contribute to a Europe capable of defending itself and control its own ammunition supply. A Europe that cannot be blackmailed or intimidated. A Europe ready to act when action is needed.

And I am pleased to note that the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed soon looks ahead to a potential second factory in Lithuania. We all need such ambition in an increasingly unstable, yet also highly promising world.

Undoubtedly, Rheinmetall ammunition factory will also impact the lives of the people of Baisogala. I know that your community has shown great resilience: it has endured and flourished through generations, as evidenced by the beautiful local manor and historic church.

Today, I can assure you that this factory comes with care - care for the environment, for your homes, for your safety. And it will bring new economic opportunities for the entire community. Future generations will reap the benefits of this great investment and of the great partnership between Lithuania and Germany!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We act today to secure tomorrow. So let this day stand as everlasting proof of our shared resolve and friendship!

Thank you! Ačiū. Vielen Dank. Und viel Erfolg!

Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania