Lithuania and Poland consider establishing HIMARS ammunition logistics center

Photo: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda (Getty Images)

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has proposed closer cooperation with Poland to expand defense capabilities, suggesting the creation of a regional logistics center for HIMARS ammunition and joint participation in defense procurements, according to LNK.

“We discussed possible cooperation in the defense industry. We know that our southern neighbor, Poland, is undoubtedly an example of how to respond to geopolitical risks around us. And your example of defense funding at 4% of gross domestic product certainly inspires us all,” he said.

Nauseda mentioned that Lithuania is currently discussing the issue of increasing funding for national defense.

“We discussed, in particular, the HIMARS systems, as both Lithuania and Poland plan to purchase these systems. They have already purchased them but intend to get more in the future. Especially considering Poland’s plans for ammunition production, we would like to cooperate. And my proposal was precisely in this direction – the creation of a regional logistics center,” the President said.

Additionally, Lithuania and Poland are discussing common missile purchasing.

“We could participate in common procurements (of missiles). This would be a very concrete example of how our strong ties in military cooperation can be taken to new heights,” Nauseda said.

Poland’s defense procurements

In recent months, Poland has been actively procuring weapons to bolster its defense amid geopolitical tensions in the region. Major purchases include Abrams tanks from the United States, HIMARS rocket artillery systems from the United States, Patriot air defense systems, drones of Turkish manufacture, and South Korean K2 tanks.

According to The Telegraph, back in May, Poland aimed to create the largest ground army in Europe.