A Permanent Logistics Support Area development project is launched in Rukla to ensure good service conditions for the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group and that its logistical needs are met. On September 19 the developing parties – the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, German Bundeswehr Federal Office of Infrastructure, Ministry of National Defence and constructions contractor had a meeting in Rukla on the course of the project.
The project plan encompasses construction of maintenance facility, administrative quarters, technical service and maintenance facility, warehouses, and other buildings of logistical purpose. The new area is developed instead of the former vehicle fleet area in Rukla. The Lithuanian side has already cleared the territory, demolished unnecessary buildings, took care of environmental requirements, soil preparation, overflow of Ruklelė creek.
In total, the territory of nearly 20 ha will include buildings and constructions of total approx. 15 thousand m² area and 50 thousand m² of areas with solid paving. Road network will be refurbished, new plumbing constructed, a solar photovoltaic power station for the needs of the Permanent Logistics Support Area will be built, as well as physical and electronic security systems.
Site preparation is currently underway. The project carried out on German funding is planned to be complete by the first quarter of 2025.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency is cooperating with the Ministry of National Defence on other projects for Armed Forces modernization, infrastructure for Lithuanian and Allied forces and acquisition of military equipment and weaponry as well.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency is the main public procurement platform in different service and product acquisitions for defence institutions of NATO Allies.
The NATO eFP Battle Group is deployed in Rukla, Lithuania, since 2017, it a significant and durable investment of NATO Allies to a stronger regional security. Germany is its framework nation and main contributors of troops, personnel and military equipment.
Photo credits: Sgt Ieva Dzevaltauskaitė-Kartanienė
