Giraitės ginkluotės gamykla AB expands its supply with anti-drone cartridges
Giraitės ginkluotės gamykla AB (GGG) has already produced test batches of anti-drone cartridges, which were sent to Sweden and France. The Lithuanian Armed Forces conducted several practical tests of anti-drone cartridges. Test batches of these cartridges are currently being produced for the Czech Republic, Belgium and the United Kingdom. The anti-drone cartridges were developed taking into account the recommendations of the army and the practical experience accumulated in Ukraine.
GGG developed anti-drone cartridges together with partners from Latvia. The solution is adapted to the neutralisation of short-range drones for the military, as well as for border control and the security of strategic facilities. That is, they are designed to protect objects, people, close contacts.
“Tackling the threats posed by unmanned systems is becoming today one of the most important security issues for a soldier. The anti-drone solution developed in Lithuania shows that our defence industry is able to develop innovative and competitive products in the international market. This is changing the perception of Lithuania as a state with advanced defence technologies", Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas says.
The anti-drone cartridges were developed taking into account military recommendations and practical experience gained in Ukraine. They were tested both in GGG open-air and closed-air ballistic shooters and in real-life conditions to ensure the maximum effectiveness of the cartridges.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces conducted a number of practical tests of anti-drone cartridges, including representatives from Estonia, Latvia, Sweden and Poland. France and Sweden are also testing cartridges in their countries, while the Czech Republic, Belgium and the United Kingdom are waiting for their test parties.
“We see a great deal of interest from foreign partners. All reviews are positive, they show a high efficiency of the cartridges. This is an important signal that the solutions developed in Lithuania meet the real security needs of today. We hope that the growing interest in our cartridges will soon turn into concrete orders," Mindaugas Kurauskas, CEO of GGG, says.
The anti-drone cartridges developed by GGG are designed for standard 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm NATO weapons. Anti-drone cartridges with a 5.56 mm calibre operate effectively at a distance of 50 metres, while the 7.62 mm calibre solution is designed for targets up to 100 metres away. Such a technical solution allows to ensure effective neutralization of drones in different defence scenarios.
For more than two decades, Giraitės ginkluotės gamykla AB has focused on the production of the highest quality cartridges, which is recognised in the international market. The company not only expands production volumes, but also actively participates in international initiatives related to the development of the defence industry, its production is exported to more than 30 countries. The company’s strategic objective is to expand capacity, attract foreign investment, diversify production and ensure security of supply.
The shareholder of Giraitės ginkluotės gamykla AB is the State of Lithuania, which owns 100% of the shares. The rights and duties of the shareholder are exercised by the Ministry of Finance, which today acts as the main financial and strategic partner of the defence industry.
The Ministry of Finance, implementing the provisions of the XXth Government Programme on the development of the defence and security industry, has established a working group that coordinates the strategic defence industry projects developed in the country and prepares solutions for the establishment of a state-controlled defence industry holding.