Today, Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas met with Federal Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius. At the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė, Ministers observed war drills of the 45th German Armoured Brigade Exercise Freedom Shield 26-I and addressed major topics of bilateral cooperation and regional security.
“We will reach Brigade Full Operational Capability in 2027 when the 5000-strong U.S. contingent will be on the ground in Lithuania. Our goal is to man only on voluntary basis. And their presence will speak stronger than any contract would,” underscored Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius after the meeting with Minister R.Kaunas.
The Ministers’ meeting was primarily focussed on the progress made in developing the required infrastructure, also, the security situation in the region and strengthening air defence.
“Lithuania is nearing the completion of the first development phase of the Rūdininkai Military Campus, we will provide all conditions required for a quality time in Lithuania. We appreciate Germany’s commitment to the security of Lithuania and the whole Eastern Flank,” said Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas.
Federal Minister of Defence also observed the first training exercise of the 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen in Lithuania, Freedom Shield 26-I.
The exercise held in Pabradė involved 2900 military personnel and approx. 800 military vehicles from eight NATO Allies training in realistic conditions and all components typical to modern warfare: drones, mine throwers, artillery, attack helicopters, battle tanks, and armoured infantry fighting vehicles.
The 203rd Tank Battalion based in Augustdorf supported by the 122nd Armoured Infantry Battalion from Oberviechtach brought their Leopard main battle tanks and Puma infantry fighting vehicles by rail and sea ferries.
The exercise marks a milestone on the Brigade’s training. The German Brigade Litauen will be showcasing its readiness for collective defence tasks in large-scale field training exercises twice a year in Lithuania thus supporting deterrence and security in the Eastern Flank.
