How To Build A Credible Baltic Wall - Insights from the Baltic Miltech Summit 2025

On May 7, 2025, Vilnius hosted the fourth Baltic Miltech Summit, an essential gathering for government officials, senior military commanders, and industry representatives from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and numerous allied countries. Nearly 1,000 participants attended, representing NATO, the European Union, and partner nations. The summit featured over 200 defence-sector companies from more than 30 countries, underscoring its international importance. Central discussions highlighted the critical need to strengthen the Baltic region as NATO’s solid defensive wall, moving beyond the symbolic tripwire currently in place.

The Baltic Patchwork Tripwire

Regional defence effectiveness continues to suffer from fragmented procurement strategies among the Baltic States. Lithuania’s Defence Minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, critically assessed the longstanding practice of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania independently procuring defence assets, resulting in a mosaic of incompatible systems. Such fragmentation impairs interoperability, undermines operational efficiency, and diminishes deterrent capabilities. To address these vulnerabilities, Minister Šakalienė advocated for synchronised procurement practices, standardised military equipment, and integrated training programmes. Establishing a cohesive, interoperable Baltic defence force is essential to effectively counter potential threats.

Turning Tripwires into Walls

Transitioning from symbolic deterrence to credible military defence relies on two key factors: deeper integration and increased capacity. Technological and political integration are critical. A notable cooperation presented during the summit was the Lithuanian German partnership integrating Lithuanian-produced Granta Autonomy drones with Rheinmetall combat vehicles. This initiative demonstrates immediate interoperability and creates a shared digital battle space that distributes real-time data, such as video feeds, sensor information, and coordinates, across all participating units.

However, Minister Šakalienė emphasised that advanced technology alone is insufficient if not deployed at scale, stating clearly: “A prototype deters no one; only fleets in the field do. It’s time to manufacture at scale. The orders are coming.” This remark highlights the necessity of swift, large-scale procurement to operationalise innovations effectively.

Producing the Bricks. Fast.

The Baltic States collectively demonstrated a strong commitment to accelerating defence procurement processes. Lithuania’s recent purchase of Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, including substantial domestic assembly, represents a strategic approach aimed at shortening supply chains and fostering local defence industries. Such practices ensure economic benefits remain within the region and support sustainable growth in the defence sector.

Robert Limmergård from Sweden’s defence industry association echoed the urgency, stating, "Innovation is no longer Europe’s primary constraint. Contracts are. Without confirmed procurement, even exceptional technological advancements remain unused." Summit participants reinforced the critical need for governments to swiftly convert increased defence budgets into concrete orders. Discussions focused on streamlining bureaucratic processes, legislative support, and best practices to accelerate procurement effectively.

From Rhetoric to Ramparts

The 2025 Baltic Miltech Summit outlined a clear, pragmatic strategy for building credible Baltic deterrence through unified procurement policies, fully interoperable high-tech military units, and rapid growth of defence industrial capacity. Attendees left Vilnius determined to translate political commitments into measurable military capabilities promptly. The ultimate objective remains unequivocal: ensuring that potential adversaries encounter a robust, unified Baltic defence. An effective and credible wall capable of deterring aggression rather than merely a symbolic line in the sand.

By Mika Facchini

Suggested Citation:

Facchini, M. (2025). How To Build A Credible Baltic Wall. EPIS Blog.