On February 7 Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus underscored at the hand over- take over ceremony of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania in Rukla that the continuous presence of NATO Allied forces in Lithuania was the centerpiece of the security of Lithuania and the eastern flank of NATO. According to Vice Minister, Lithuania and the Allies collaborate intensely to ensure deterrence and readiness for collective defence.
“The continuous deployment of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group since 2017 is a critical sign of collective defence and deterrence. Given the security situation as it is, we need to continue strengthening NATO readiness to fend off a potential aggression from Russia together with the Allies,” said Vice Minister Ž. Tomkus.
“The reality we have today is a security situation in the region that is not getting better: Russia continues the war of aggression against Ukraine, builds up the authoritarian governance inside the country and switches the national economy to martial law. Facing the threat from Russia we have to stay united and resolved in our combined effort,” Vice Minister added.
Appreciation to the 14th NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania with Commander Lt Col Andreas Kirchner was expressed at the ceremony in Rukla for the dedication and professionalism over the six months on duty in Lithuania ensuring daily functions alongside Lithuanian Armed Forces colleagues, training and deterring the adversary, and thus contributing to keeping the region safe.
The incoming 15th NATO eFP BG rotation is led by Bundeswehr Lieutenant Colonel Marek Krüger, it has the strength of up to 1.6 thousand Allied troops, mostly Bundeswehr personnel alongside Dutch, Belgian, Norwegian, Czech and Luxembourg’s military personnel. The current incumbent rotation operates Leopard tanks, CV90 and Boxer infantry fighting vehicles, and the SPGH-M77 Dana wheeled self-propelled artillery system.
Photo credit: MoD / K. Kavolėlis
