EU Backs RSI Europe and Odin Defence With €29.5 Million to Build Drone Warheads Across the Baltic
Lithuania's RSI Europe and Estonia's Odin Defence won €29.5 million from the EU to make loitering-munition warheads. RSI's new plant is due to break ground in early 2027.
An EU grant ties an Estonian explosives line to a Lithuanian drone maker that, by its own count, imports parts from more than 30 countries.
RSI Europe and its Estonian partner Odin Defence were selected for EU funding to make loitering-munition warheads, Lithuania's defence ministry said on Tuesday. The Commission's Oct. 14 results factsheet lists their project, RagnaRasa, at €29,500,811 under the European Defence Industry Programme. Eight projects won out of 83 proposals from 23 member states and Norway, the Commission said. The ministry called it the only Lithuanian project selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the EU award RSI Europe and Odin Defence?
€29,500,811 for RagnaRasa, a loitering-munition warhead and explosives project, under the European Defence Industry Programme's energetic-components call, per the Commission's Oct. 14 factsheet.
Who does what in RagnaRasa?
Odin Defence makes explosive components in Estonia. RSI Europe handles final assembly, testing and qualification in Lithuania, RSI chief executive Tomas Milasauskas said.
Who is Odin Defence?
The Estonian subsidiary of UK-based Thor Industries. It agreed in March with the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments to produce plastic explosives at the Ermistu defence industrial park.
Who will buy the output?
Milasauskas said output will meet Lithuanian military needs but most will be exported. No buyer for RagnaRasa warheads has been named.
When does production start?
Construction of RSI's Panevezys-district plant is due to begin in early 2027, per Milasauskas. The Commission expects the funded projects to deliver from 2027.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.