At a meeting in late October, Germany and Lithuania agreed on a joint project: new infrastructure in Rukla, barracks, roads, etc. The extensions will serve for the purposes of the Artillery and the Logistical Battalions of the Iron Wolf Brigade and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battalion Battle Group.
“With the implementation of this project aimed at both, mutual requirements of Lithuania and NATO eFP, and of the Lithuanian Armed Forces separately, we seek to meet the growing needs of Lithuania and the NATO eFP battalion, to ensure the best possible work, service and accommodation conditions, and the possibility to store, maintain and operate the equipment and property. The completion of this project is oriented towards infrastructure development that would not only provide for the quantitative needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces but would also advance new quality in the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” says Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška.
The development of infrastructure in Rukla project will encompass new barracks, command posts, mess hall, sports facility, fitting out training classrooms, medical post, spare time area, also, all engineering infrastructure, building roads, etc. The new infrastructure will serve both, Lithuanian and allied militaries.
“Military infrastructure development and further modernization is an important investment in the development of a quality and competent cooperation that we enjoy. Of course, Germany is providing significant assistance to Lithuania in this area. That is beneficial to both countries and the entire NATO, “says Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Germany to Lithuania Dr. Peter Buschmann.
A separate equipment depot project will be developed to meet the needs of the Artillery and the Logistical Iron Wolf Brigade Battalions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. It will encompass building maintenance facilities, garages, warehouses, shelters, gas supply, washing facility, roads, and other objects.
The projects are assessed to total over EUR 200 million, most of it as a form of German investment in Lithuania. It will be implemented cooperatively with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, and expert assistance of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence.
Project design ITTS for both projects are planned to be announced in 2022, while the projects are expected to be completed fully and transferred to users in several steps during 2023 – 2026.
Photo credit: A.Pliadis
