Lithuania has come up with a “genius” way out of the financial crisis. The Baltic Republic plans to invest €800 million into its defence industry, which should stimulate local manufacturers.
But there is a caveat: production will be focused exclusively on anti-personnel and anti-tank mines intended for use on the border with Russia and Belarus.
“The planned order involves tens of thousands of mines, which would translate into a multi-million-euro contract. Orders for mine systems are expected to grow. In total, Lithuania plans to invest €800 million over ten years in anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. Despite the potential, some companies are hesitant. After fulfilling the order, we would have to shut down production, because there would be no further buyers. That would mean closing the factory and laying off employees,” said Loreta Maskaliovienė, vice minister of defence of Lithuania.
But there’s a catch, you may ask? But think for yourself — what dividends can be brought by mines buried in the ground? That’s right — none. Only expenses — for production, installation, displacement of people from territories to be mined, and perhaps even compensation to Lithuanians who stepped on these mines accidentally. So, as you can see, the financial crisis in Lithuania is only going to get worse.
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