Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė has embarked on a significant trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, aimed at strengthening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics with top defense and technology leaders in the United States. During her visit, she engaged in substantive discussions with representatives from the Pennsylvania National Guard, the U.S. National Guard Bureau, and the U.S. Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C). The focal point of these discussions was the enhancement of Vilnius’ military capabilities through the deployment of AI, autonomous systems, robotics, and anti-drone technologies.
While in Pittsburgh, Šakalienė also met with various local tech firms, including Near Earth Autonomy, KEF Robotics, Lovelace AI, and Carnegie Robotics, highlighting the importance of fostering innovation within the defense sector. This visit aligns with Lithuania’s defense industry policy, which emphasizes the need for producing ammunition, explosives, drone systems, military equipment, and naval defense. Furthermore, it underscores the country’s commitment to investing in emerging technologies such as sensors, photonics, and secure communications.
A critical aspect of Lithuania’s defense strategy is the acceleration of domestic arms production. This includes forming partnerships, developing expedited processes, and establishing technology transfer agreements to bolster supply chains and encourage innovation, all while ensuring compliance with national and NATO defense requirements.
Šakalienė’s tour included a visit to AI2C, where she observed U.S. Army initiatives focused on integrating AI and machine learning within combat systems. These efforts are underpinned by collaborative support from various stakeholders, including armed forces, academic institutions, and industrial sectors. The defense minister highlighted the importance of such visits, stating that they enhance understanding of the evolving nature of warfare and expand opportunities to address current challenges, thereby solidifying partnerships between the U.S. and European markets.
The bond between the U.S. and Lithuania represents one of NATO’s strongest defense collaborations, with the cooperation between the Pennsylvania National Guard and Vilnius dating back to 1993. Since 2019, American forces have had a continuous rotational presence in Lithuania, reinforcing their battalion with artillery support in 2022.
This fall, the completion of new U.S. military infrastructure and training facilities—valued at over $200 million—is anticipated to further fortify NATO’s eastern defense posture. Additionally, Lithuania has invested approximately $2 billion in U.S.-made weapons over the past three years, accounting for around 20 percent of its defense acquisitions. Key purchases include Javelin anti-tank missiles, JLTV armored vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery, NASAMS air defense missiles, and Switchblade drones.
Overall, Šakalienė’s visit to Pittsburgh not only served to enhance Lithuania’s military capabilities through advanced technology partnerships but also reinforced the existing strong defense ties between Lithuania and the United States.
