Rheinmetall to build ammunition plant in Lithuania

Lithuanian Economy Minister Austrine Armonaite signed an agreement with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall to build an ammunition plant in Lithuania, Kyiv Independent reported.
Lithuania and "Reinmetall" signed a memorandum for the construction of the weapons plant in the country back in April.
"Establishing Rheinmetall's operations in Lithuania is a significant step towards meeting our country's immediate defense and security needs," said Armonaite.
"It will help us to ensure continuous access to essential weapons and ammunition, as the products that European defense needs will be produced on Lithuanian soil," she said.
The investment in the project is more than 180 million euros. According to the minister, the new plant is expected to create at least 150 new jobs.
The location of the facility, which is expected to produce tens of thousands of munitions a year, is due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Lithuania's parliament approved several legislative amendments drafted by the defense and environment ministries to help investors facilitate the development of large-scale projects.
The amendments simplify the procedures for territorial planning, land purchase and construction to enable the start of operations "as soon as possible" in the country. | BGNES