Lithuania may involve Israel in its defense industry development, according to President Gitanas Nauseda
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Lithuania and Israel are forging ahead with plans to deepen their strategic partnerships, particularly in the high-tech sectors. During high-level meetings in August 2025, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Israeli President Isaac Herzog reaffirmed their commitment to closer security cooperation amid geopolitical challenges.
One of the key areas of focus is defense. Lithuania aims to allocate 5-6 percent of its GDP to defense by 2030 and seeks Israeli collaboration to build a robust defense industrial base. Israel, renowned as a world leader in this domain, could contribute through technology transfer, joint research, and industrial cooperation.
The potential for collaboration in space technologies is also being explored. Lithuania recognizes Israel’s advanced capabilities and innovation culture, although specific projects have yet to be detailed.
Another promising area is biotechnology and life sciences. Both countries see this as an important area for innovation cooperation, with Lithuania anticipating joint ventures and scientific collaborations.
Lithuania's leadership has identified green energy as a key sector for joint initiatives with Israel. The aim is to develop sustainable technologies alongside other fields.
Lithuania’s growing ICT sector and high global cybersecurity ranking complement Israel’s high-tech ecosystem, providing fertile ground for cooperation in manufacturing technologies and the sustainable food industry. Lithuania ranks sixth globally on the cybersecurity index, and there is potential for collaborative efforts to protect critical infrastructure and share advanced cybersecurity solutions.
Three business and science memorandums of understanding were signed at the forum, aiming to strengthen partnerships in research, research and development, and innovation, and promote cooperation in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Nauseda also mentioned recent agreements with international partners for the construction of ammunition production facilities with Germany and the United States.
Despite political sensitivities and protests related to the Gaza conflict, Lithuania remains committed to strong bilateral ties as a strategic partner in defense procurement and technological innovation.
In summary, Lithuania and Israel are actively developing multi-sector partnerships, leveraging Israel’s cutting-edge innovation in defense, space, biotech, green energy, manufacturing, sustainable food, and cybersecurity. The aim is to deepen scientific and commercial collaboration within the next decade.
- Lithuania and Israel are seeking Israeli collaboration to build a robust defense industrial base, as Lithuania aims to allocate 5-6 percent of its GDP to defense by 2030.
- Despite political sensitivities, Lithuania remains committed to strong bilateral ties with Israel, especially in defense procurement and technological innovation.
- Collaboration in space technologies is being explored between Lithuania and Israel, recognizing Israel’s advanced capabilities and innovation culture.
- Lithuania's leadership has identified green energy as a key sector for joint initiatives with Israel, with the aim of developing sustainable technologies alongside other fields.
- The potential for joint ventures and scientific collaborations in biotechnology and life sciences is an important area for innovation cooperation for both countries.
