Germany bolsters NATO stance with brigade in Lithuania
Germany has decided to station an armoured brigade in Lithuania, marking the first such move since the Second World War. "We must ensure the protection of our Lithuanian allies," emphasised General Christoph Huber.
What do you need to know?
- Germany has decided to station an armoured brigade in Lithuania in response to the threat from Russia and the unstable situation on NATO's eastern flank.
- The brigade will achieve full operational capability by 2027, and its main base will be the barracks complex and training ground in Rudnikai.
- The decision to deploy German troops in Lithuania was made in 2023, marking a departure from Berlin's post-war aversion to such actions.
Why is Germany strengthening Lithuania?
Germany's decision to station an armoured brigade in Lithuania is a response to Russia's growing threat and the unstable situation on NATO's eastern flank.
Brigadier General Christoph Huber emphasised that the goal is to ensure the protection, freedom, and security of Lithuanian allies. - Here, on NATO's eastern flank, we must ensure the protection, freedom, and security of our Lithuanian allies - conveyed Huber.
On Tuesday, the stationing of the brigade, which will ultimately consist of 5,000 personnel, was officially approved. A temporary headquarters has been established on-site, and the unit's emblem was unveiled during the ceremony. The brigade will achieve full operational capability by 2027, and its main base will be the barracks complex and training ground in Rudnikai.
What are the consequences of this move?
The decision to deploy German troops long-term in Lithuania breaks Berlin's post-war tradition of avoiding posting soldiers abroad. "A milestone has already been achieved," the German Armed Forces Association (DBWV) stated in a statement. The deployment of the 45th Armoured Brigade in Lithuania is the first instance of a permanent presence of German troops abroad since the Second World War.
Germany's concerning forecasts regarding Russia
The General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, General Carsten Breuer, assessed that Russia is preparing for large-scale conflict and will be able to conduct such operations by 2029. He emphasised that in recent years, Putin has made it "very clear" that his interests extend beyond Ukraine.
Breuer said in ARD's programme that Russia is arming itself, has doubled its number of soldiers, and is orienting its military structures towards the West. He added that by moving the conflict westwards, Putin will secure his position of power in Russia.
