Bundeswehr strengthens NATO-East flank: 5,000 soldiers to Lithuania!

Bundeswehr strengthens NATO-East flank: 5,000 soldiers to Lithuania!

Vilnius, Litauen - The Bundeswehr will station around 5,000 soldiers in Lithuania by 2027 to strengthen the NATO east flank. This project is regarded as a crucial step in Germany's security policy realignment due to the threat of Russia. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius traveled to the official constellation appeal of the new Panzerbrigade in Vilnius, where the Panzerbrigade 45 was officially put into service on April 1. This marks the first permanent posting of a combat brigade of this size abroad in the history of the Bundeswehr, which is associated with great expectations.

The stationing represents a feat for the Bundeswehr, which suffers from lack of material and personnel and is called one of the most complex projects in its history. The Federal Government regards the brigade as a "lighthouse project" of the turnaround of security policy as a result of the Ukraine War. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that Germany was willing to defend every NATO area. The three Baltic states, including Lithuania, continue to fear a threat from Russia, especially in view of the geopolitical tensions in the region.

infrastructure and family members

In order to offer the new brigade a solid environment, extensive infrastructure projects are implemented in Lithuania. In addition to the construction of barracks, schools, daycare centers and leisure activities for the soldiers and their family members were also planned. Lithuania also orders 44 modern Leopard 2 A8 fighter tanks from German production to improve their own defense ability. The new Federal Government has announced that the defense spending has already increased its military budget.

• around 5,000 soldiers, including 200 civil employees, are stationed.
• The brigade is built up gradually, with the target brand of 2,000 soldiers by mid -2026.
• An occurrence command reached Lithuania in April 2024, and there are currently around 400 Bundeswehr members on site.

Family members of the soldiers can travel to Lithuania, and it is planned to create suitable housing estates and educational institutions that teach according to German curricula and give German degrees. A government agreement between Germany and Lithuania that was made in September 2024 regulates permanent stationing and enables the rent -free use of Lithuanian properties and the operation of field post offices.

The Bundeswehr has set itself the goal of reaching the full number of soldiers in Lithuania by the end of 2027. This not only shows Germany's commitment to NATO, but also reflects the currently prevailing security policy challenges. Further information is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Defense available.