Novermber1, Minister of National Defence of 2024-2025 Dovilė Šakalienė transferred the Ministry of National Defence colors and the scepter of authority to incoming Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
“Less than a year ago, I assumed this position of critical importance for national defence and demanding stamina being determined to strengthen our national defence, ensure sufficient funding for defence, readiness of the national Division by 2030, stationing of the German Brigade, fast defence industry development and strengthening the transatlantic cooperation.
I am proud for having worked with such a competent, patriotic and devoted team. National defence is first and foremost a matter of secure statehood – not international prestige, following orders or political quarrels. The determination of the 19th Government regarding national defence was unquestionable. The 20th Government only is beginning. May you not le t the people down and face the inevitable challenges with honor,” stated D. Šakalienė.
“I am here to pull together every instrument required to serve our country, to strengthen the state and the Armed Forces of Lithuania. Our people and institutions work to ensure and will continue to do that so that Lithuania and our collective does not waver and never will.
The 20th Government has clearly committed to strengthen national defence and lives up to its promise. We have ensured historical defence investment. This priority will keep the position in future budgets as well. Lithuania’s decision to increase the defence spending to 5–6 % GDP is a clear strategic signal to the adversary. It also enables planning HR, equipment and partnership projects aiming for a robust deterrence and defence based on capability” said the incoming Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas.
The new Minister of Defence holds a BA in Telecommunications Engineering from the Kaunas University of Technology and has been the CEO of software manufacturing Inkodus UAB for a decade. He held a position of Board Member at Kaunas City Council in 2023-2024. In 2024-2025 R. Kaunas was in the Committee on Economcs, in 2024 – the Committee for the Future, and as of September 2025 – the Committee on National Security and Defence.
Photo credit: A. Čemerka/MoD
