Lithuania signs deal with US defence firm Mach Industries for expansion

VILNIUS - Lithuania's economy and defence ministers have signed a cooperation agreement with US defence technology firm Mach Industries to support the company's expansion in Lithuania, the Economy Ministry said on Friday.

The agreement, signed during the ministers' visit to the US, outlines cooperation on establishing a local subsidiary and creating capabilities for the assembly, integration or production of advanced systems and their components.

Griksas said the deal would create more opportunities for Lithuanian engineers and suppliers while strengthening the capabilities of Lithuania and NATO's eastern flank. US foreign direct investment in Lithuania currently stands at nearly 2.8 billion euros, with manufacturing accounting for 72 percent of the total.

Mach Industries develops advanced unmanned aviation, space and defence systems, as well as the infrastructure required for their mass production.

The company has already demonstrated its Viper autonomous vertical take-off and landing platform in Lithuania during exercises at the Rudninkai military training ground.

During the visit, a separate memorandum was signed between Lithuanian firm INTA and US-based UVTON Inc. to collaborate on the development of ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) applications and products.

The partnership aims to leverage the expertise and intellectual property of Remigijus Gaska, a US scientist and pioneer in UV LED technology, for joint projects in disinfection, diagnostics, sensors and environmental monitoring. The long-term goal is to establish a full value chain in Lithuania, covering everything from technology and patents to prototyping, certification and production.