The conference, supported by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Ministry of National Defense, will bring together representatives from Lithuania’s and foreign defense and security sectors, policymakers, NATO, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces. They will discuss sector-related issues and key directions for the development of defense technologies in the context of today’s geopolitical challenges and shifts.
“Being at the center of emerging threats and geopolitical tensions in Europe, Lithuania must demonstrate leadership in the field of defense innovation. The achievements of our country’s businesses and scientific institutions in developing technologies can undoubtedly contribute to strengthening regional defense capabilities and creating reliable deterrence measures. This also creates high added value and contributes to the transformation of our economy,” said Minister of Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas.
According to L. Savickas, high-level events of this kind in Lithuania, which bring together defense sector leaders, highlight the country’s important role in ensuring security in the region.
“By developing the defense industry, we strengthen not only the security of our states but also provide an additional boost to economic growth and technological breakthroughs. I am pleased that the ‘Baltic Miltech Summit’ has become a focal point for governments, businesses, and academic representatives from Europe, the U.S., and the Indo-Pacific region. Only by thinking, creating, and acting together can we maintain a strategic advantage in a competitive world,” said Minister of National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė.
It is expected that this year’s “Baltic Miltech Summit” conference will host more than 650 participants and over 200 defense and security companies from more than 30 countries, from the U.S. to the UK.
The range of topics is broad – the evolving geopolitical and defense environment, ensuring cybersecurity and an effective response to cognitive and hybrid warfare threats, the growing importance of artificial intelligence in military operations, as well as the rise of space as an increasingly significant defense frontier.
The Importance of Networking
According to Sigutė Stankevičiūtė, head of the “ManuFuture Lab” division at the Innovation Agency, the defense sector is quite closed, so much attention is first and foremost given to strengthening networking, as it creates an ecosystem and fosters collaboration that drives growth.
“International events of this level are very important – they help us create opportunities for good ideas and people to meet. Networking among businesses, defense sector representatives, investors, and scientists not only helps understand each other’s needs and potential but also opens new international directions for Lithuanian businesses and the technologies they are developing for the defense sector,” said S. Stankevičiūtė.
Opportunities for Defense Technology Startups
The “Baltic Miltech Summit” will also feature an exhibition of Lithuanian defense technology startups and a pitching event for investors. During this event, the latest locally developed defense solutions will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to engage with startup founders and discuss collaboration prospects.
Additionally, from May 4–6, a hackathon organized by European Defence Tech and Brave1 will take place, where teams of IT specialists, engineers, and defense experts will search for advanced solutions to real-world defense challenges. On May 6, a Lithuania-Germany defense industry collaboration event will be held.
On May 8, the “Live Firing Show” will take place at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė. This military technology and weaponry event will bring together defense industry leaders, military professionals, and policymakers, where the latest military equipment will be showcased in real battlefield conditions – radars, sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, machine guns, and anti-tank weaponry.
Registration for the international conference “Baltic Miltech Summit” and more information can be found on the event’s official website.
