On 8 August, eight Lithuanian science and industry institutions, including Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the global aviation company Embraer. These agreements mark one of the first steps towards long-term cooperation between Lithuania and Embraer in the fields of aviation, defence, and innovation.
Founded in 1969, Embraer is now one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and aviation technology companies, producing aircraft for a wide range of purposes, including commercial, private, military, and agricultural use. In June this year, Lithuania decided to purchase one such aircraft – the versatile, new-generation C-390 Millennium – thereby strengthening the country’s air defence capabilities and paving the way for closer cooperation with Embraer. Seven other EU and NATO countries have also chosen to acquire this aircraft.
According to the company’s press release, Lithuania is becoming one of the most attractive hubs in Europe for implementing Embraer’s long-term partnership goals, thanks to its steadily growing aviation industry ecosystem and the strong intellectual competence base of its specialists. Fabio Caparica, one of the company’s vice presidents, noted that these MoUs directly reflect Embraer’s commitment to establishing and fostering long-term strategic relationships with European countries, EU and NATO allies, as well as enhancing industrial and defence capabilities on a global scale.
KTU, as one of Embraer’s partners in Lithuania, is recognised as one of the largest and most advanced technological universities in the country, as well as a leading higher education institution in the region. It stands out for its collaboration with business and industry, international partnerships with other institutions, and the exceptionally high quality of its scientific and interdisciplinary research and studies, particularly in the fields of innovation and engineering.
By signing the memorandum with Embraer, each of the eight Lithuanian institutions aims to develop strategic ties in aviation technology areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering and innovation, technological development, and supply chain enhancement. This partnership is expected not only to contribute to the growth of the industry’s ecosystem but also to have a positive impact on the local economy.
Article prepared based on publicly available Embraer information.