German-Baltic
Defence Industry Conference
United for Security: Strengthening Defence through
German-Baltic Business Cooperation
28 November 2024
Vilnius, Lithuania
About the German-Baltic Defence Industry Conference
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 defense company.
The conference, organized 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 characterized by their industrial mass production and scalability.
Panel discussions will therefore focus on how the strengths of both regions' defense 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 defense 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 defense industry on a new level.
Program (TBC)*
Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva Conference Center, Konstitucijos pr. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania
28 November 2024
09:30-17:00
*The programme is still being developed and coordinated.
09:30-09:35
Welcome by Florian Schröder, CEO of the AHK Baltic States
09:35-09:40
Greeting by the Ambassador of Germany to Lithuania Dr. Cornelius Zimmermann
09:40-09:47
Opening speech by Dr. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Minister of National Defense of Lithuania (TBC)
09:47-09:54
Opening speech by Andris Sprūds, Minister of Defence of Latvia (TBC)
09:54-10:00
Opening speech by Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of Estonia (TBC)
10:00-10:25
Keynote by Dr. Hans Christoph Atzpodien, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Security and Defence Industry:
How has the German defence industry evolved since February 24, 2022, and what does its future hold?
10:25-10:45
Keynote by Dr. Heiko Borchert (TBC)
10:45-11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 -11:45
Panel discussion I: In what capacity can the Baltic arms industry contribute to the broader framework of European arms production?
Panelists:
Dr. Hans Christoph Atzpodien, Managing Director Federal Association of the German Security and Defence Industry
Vincas Jurgutis, director of the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industries Association
Representative of Estonian defence industry (TBC)
Representative of Latvian defence industry (TBC)
11:45-12:30
Panel discussion II: What key innovations emerging from the Ukraine war are likely to shape the future of warfare?
Panelists:
Christoph Heinen, Director of the TechHub SVI Bayern Innovativ GmbH
Finn von Westernhagen, CEO at Red Arrow technologies (TBC)
Lynn Scheinman of SAP Defense Expert
12:30-14:00
Lunch break
14:00-14:45
Panel discussion III: How can hybrid threats be averted through effective cybersecurity?
Panelists:
Dr Gundbert Scherf, co-CEO Helsing (TBC)
Representative of Nord Security (TBC)
Representative of NRD Cyber Security (TBC)
14:45-15:30
Panel discussion IV: Cross-Sector Collaboration in Defense and Security: Case Studies and Insights
Panelists:
Daugirdas Kuzma, Chief Business Development Officer at EKSMA Optics
Gediminas Guoba, CEO at Granta Autonomy
Representative of Patria (TBC)
Representative of LMT (TBC)
15:30-15:45
Coffee Break
15:45-17:00
Breakout Rooms
Drone Warfare:
Ernestas Žvaigždinas, co-founder of BROSWARM
Representative of Excodus (TBC)
Representative of Red Arrow technologies (TBC)
Cooperation in Ammunition and Military Equipment Production
Sebastian Dietz, CEO of the Lithuania Defense Services (TBC)
Martin Reischer, Director of Business Development at Dynamit Nobel Defence
German Brigade in Lithuania:
Representative of Real Estate companies (TBC)
Representative of SAP (TBC)
Representative of Nord Security (TBC)
Partners & Sponsors
Book a room directly at the conference venue, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva using the AHK Promo Link
