Lithuanian drone maker RSI Europe plans up to €50 million defence plant

Lithuanian defence technology company RSI Europe plans to invest up to €50 million in a new defence systems production facility in Panevėžys district.

The project is being developed under a large-scale investment agreement with Lithuania’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the main works planned for completion by the end of that year.

RSI Europe says the facility will support a shift from technology development towards larger-scale industrial production of defence systems. Around 40 new jobs are expected, with a significant share in engineering and technical roles.

The company already produces drone and remote-detonation systems in Vilnius and supplies customers in NATO markets, while a large share of its current output goes to Ukraine.

Signal: Lithuania’s drone sector is moving from relatively small specialised production towards larger industrial defence manufacturing.

Source: Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation, 17 September 2026.