U.S. defense and national security company Mission Essential Group, which is launching operations in Lithuania, and VILNIUS TECH have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at cooperation in advanced defense manufacturing, specialist training, and innovation.
According to Mission Essential Group CEO Mark Quantock, this partnership will combine expertise in defense systems, engineering, research, and workforce development.
The joint projects are expected to strengthen Lithuania’s defense industry, promote technological advancement, and prepare highly qualified specialists for Lithuania’s and NATO’s defense manufacturing needs.
“By partnering with VILNIUS TECH, we are investing in the people, expertise, and innovation required to build a world-class defense manufacturing base that strengthens Lithuania’s industrial capabilities and contributes to national and NATO defense priorities. This partnership is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing Lithuania’s independent defense capabilities through local manufacturing, workforce development, and integrated industrial cooperation,” says Mark Quantock.
„Mission Essential Group“ CEO Mark Quantock
In recent years, VILNIUS TECH has significantly expanded investments in advanced research infrastructure, competence centers, and experimental development capabilities.
University Rector Romualdas Kliukas states that international partnerships of this scale being developed in Lithuania create new opportunities for the country’s researchers, students, startups, and industry to contribute to the development of defense, security, and advanced technologies.
“We are proud to establish a strategic partnership with Mission Essential Group. This cooperation represents an important step not only for our university, but also for Lithuania, strengthening its role as a key innovation and defense technology hub in Europe and NATO. Together with Mission Essential Group, we aim to accelerate the development and deployment of resilient technologies, thereby strengthening transatlantic security, industrial competitiveness, and technological autonomy,” says Romualdas Kliukas.
VILNIUS TECH rector Romualdas Kliukas
VILNIUS TECH is currently strengthening its activities in secure artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, space and defense technologies, cyber-physical systems, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, drones, and dual-use innovations.
These university competencies are closely aligned with the activities planned by Mission Essential Group in Lithuania.
The U.S. company, which recently established its subsidiary UAB “Mission Essential Lithuania,” plans to manufacture “MiSu” armored vehicles in Lithuania. The vehicles were developed jointly with the Finnish military by Finnish defense technology company Protolab.
“MiSu” armored vehicle
In addition, Mission Essential Group plans to develop vehicle modernization and maintenance operations in Lithuania, as well as expand solutions related to defense technologies, communications, electronic warfare, counter-drone systems, remote-control technologies, air defense, and artificial intelligence.
About “Mission Essential Group”
Mission Essential Group is a U.S. defense and national security company providing solutions to the U.S. Government, allied institutions, and clients in defense, intelligence, diplomatic security, and law enforcement.
The company operates in mission support, intelligence, operational planning, logistics, training, and technology integration, including work in high-security environments.
In Lithuania, the company plans to develop long-term defense technology and industrial projects in cooperation with local industry, universities, and research institutions.
About Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)
VILNIUS TECH is one of Lithuania’s leading universities specializing in engineering, technology, and applied sciences, with a strong focus on innovation, scientific research, and cooperation with business.
