Brolis Semiconductors’ success story in Lithuania

A return to Lithuania that launched a global defense tech leader

When three Lithuanian brothers living in Germany decided to establish a semiconductor company, they returned to their homeland in 2011 with a vision that would transform into one of Europe’s rising stars in defense technology. Today, Brolis Semiconductors serves 35 countries across NATO and NATO-allied territories, having evolved from a greenfield investment into a key player in the Lithuanian defense ecosystem.

Brolis initially focused on developing and manufacturing semiconductor components, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 prompted a strategic pivot toward defense applications. Leveraging its expertise in laser manufacturing, the company develops cutting-edge MilTech products, ranging from dismounted soldier systems to border surveillance solutions.

From talent to infrastructure, Lithuania is built for high-tech manufacturing

The timing of Brolis’ establishment in 2011 aligned perfectly with Lithuania’s emerging innovation ecosystem. For this new high-tech hardware business, Lithuania offered a unique combination of a robust talent pool in optics, flexible bureaucracy, and consistently cooperative institutions – all enabled by the country’s small, agile nature.

While physical infrastructure was still developing in 2011, it has since become a top priority for government agencies and supporting institutions, ensuring manufacturing infrastructure is readily available and accessible for businesses. The country’s digital infrastructure has consistently been a strong point, outperforming EU averages and remaining highly competitive – essential for advanced semiconductor operations.

The talent pool that initially attracted Brolis has proven even more valuable over time. Lithuania’s highly industrialized heritage has created world-class expertise in optics, lasers, biochemistry, and IT, with highly skilled professionals readily available for roles spanning research and development to manufacturing and assembly. The workforce combines exceptional technical skills with competitive costs and high productivity, while remaining ambitious and motivated to contribute to high-value industries.

Lithuania has built a business-friendly environment with transparent, digital, and efficient communication with governmental and municipal institutions. This supportive framework, combined with favorable taxation levels, creates conditions where innovative defense technology companies can thrive.

Made in Lithuania, built for the demands of modern defense

Today, Brolis Semiconductors stands as a leading local and global high-tech defense manufacturer, demonstrating rapid growth with revenues doubling to tripling annually while significantly increasing export production. The company has grown to employ 75 full-time professionals and projects to double its workforce by 2026-2027.

Brolis’ comprehensive approach spans the entire technology vertical – from semiconductor component development and epitaxial growth to final electro-optical system design, testing, programming, and assembly – all developed and maintained in-house in Lithuania.

Brolis plays a pivotal role in modernizing the armed forces of Lithuania and countries such as Belgium, Finland, Spain, Canada, and Australia. The company’s success contributes to regional security while demonstrating Lithuania’s capacity to host and nurture world-class defense technology companies.