The NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) Lithuania marks its 10th anniversary this year. The headquarters was activated to strengthen the security of the Baltic region on 1 September 2015 as a result of the Russian aggression in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
The key mission of the NFIU is to facilitate the rapid deployment of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in Lithuania, plan multinational exercises and to integrate Allied Forces thus strengthening the collective defence in the region.
The NFIU change of command ceremony at the Town Hall today saw Danish Army Colonel Peter Nielsen officially relinquishes the duties to the Netherlands Armed Forces Colonel Merlijn Heiligers. Lithuania remains the only NATO Ally appointing representatives of other NATO Allies as NFIU Commanders. This important and forward-looking choice deepens Lithuania’s integration in NATO command structures and demonstrates our strong commitment to the Alliance.
“We have established this headquarters a decade ago as a clear signal to russia after its aggression against Ukraine and illegal annexation of Crimea that we stood ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. IT is still one of the cornerstone pillars of collective defence today. The NFIU Lithuania is a real-life security guarantee of rapid response, liaison among the Allies and practical readiness for any threat.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Denmark and Col Peter Nielsen for a decade of leadership, professional and responsible guidance which has formed a strong and trust-driven international team. And I congratulate the Netherlands and welcome the incoming NFIU Commander Col Merlijn Heiligers.
Lithuania continues to be firmly committed to strengthening the NATO collective deference, improving military mobility, deepening cooperation with the Allies and invest in security, as the cornerstone precondition of our freedom,” said Minister of national Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.
Col P. Nielsen was appointed as the NFIU Commander in 2021 bringing a substantial experience of over four decades in service at the strategic NATO Headquarters in Brussels, as well as Afghanistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His successor Col M. Heiligers is coming in with a wealth of experience in logistical support, strategic planning and multinational cooperation. His most recent job was at the helm of the Netherlands’ Defence Movement and Transport Organisation (DVVO) which supports military mobility across Europe.
“This ceremony is a proof that NATO fortitude lies not just with the plans but also the people who turn them into reality. Since its inauguration in 2015, the NFIU Lithuania has become an important link connecting Lithuania and the Allied forces. We are thankful to Denmark for a decade of responsible and strong leadership and to Col Nielsen for the professionalism, genuineness and his ability to lead by strength and humanity. At the same time, we welcome the Netherlands and the incoming Dutch Commander Col M. Heiligers to whom we wish good luck in turning a new page of NFIU activity,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Orijana Mašalė.
The NFIU Lithuania is an integral component of the NATO Readiness Action Plan agreed to at the 2014 Summit in Wales. It is a testament to Alliance resolve to act rapidly and effectively against any threat to their members and territories. The NFIU Lithuania is currently manned by 12 NATO Allies who strengthen the collective defence in the Baltic region through tight cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Photo credits: A. Pliadis / MoD
Based on NFIU information.
