German-Baltic Defence Industry Conference

United for Security: Strengthening Defence through German-Baltic Business Cooperation

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the arms industry and security policies have become a central focus for Western nations, especially for the Baltic states, which have long prioritized their security due to their proximity to Russia. Germany has also reinforced its commitment to European security through initiatives like the Zeitenwende strategy and has clearly stated its readiness to stand on the side of its Baltic partners. Key developments in this collaboration include the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania, the establishment of a Rheinmetall military equipment factory in Lithuania, and the recent expansion of Helsing Estonia OÜ, an AI defence company.

​The conference, organised by the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK), aims to explore how these recent developments can serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation between Germany and the Baltic states. While Baltic companies stand out for their innovative and practical developments, which are directly influenced by the experiences of the war in Ukraine, German arms companies are characterised by their industrial mass production and scalability.

Panel discussions will therefore focus on how the strengths of both regions' defence industries can be combined, particularly in armaments projects and other sectors like technology, energy, logistics, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the event will examine the infrastructure required to support the German brigade in Lithuania and how local businesses can contribute to these efforts. Another focus lies in the military drone revolution. The war in Ukraine has clearly shown that a sufficient supply of drones is essential for every modern army. Ensuring therefore an industrial production base, has to be a key priority for the western defence industry, and German-Baltic cooperation has great potential specifically in this field.

​The conference will provide a platform for participants to identify next steps toward enhancing German-Baltic cooperation in both defence and economic sectors. By fostering dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities, the event will contribute to building a more integrated and sustainable partnership between the two regions, ensuring long-term security and economic resilience. Let us bring the German Baltic cooperation in the field of defence industry on a new level.