Lithuania is strengthening its armored warfare infrastructure with plans for a new Leopard 2A8 tank production and maintenance facility in Kaunas. Construction company YIT Lietuva has received a contract worth approximately €30 million from Lithuania Defence Services to design and build the facility. Construction is expected to begin in August and conclude in November 2027, while the first Leopard 2A8 assembled at the site is planned for late 2028. The facility will cover almost 10 hectares and is expected to create up to 100 jobs. It will support assembly, maintenance and logistics activities for Leopard tanks and other heavy military equipment operated by Lithuania’s armed forces. The project follows Lithuania’s 2024 agreement with KNDS Deutschland to purchase 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks for approximately €950 million. The procurement is intended to establish additional armored formations and improve interoperability with NATO allies. The new facility will also expand the Baltic region’s ability to maintain NATO armored vehicles closer to their operational areas.
