December 18, Vilnius, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas and Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius signed a Roadmap Action Plan laying out the intents of both countries on the permanent stationing of a German Brigade in Lithuania and further sequence of actions until the Brigade is deployed in full volume and capability. The Ministers unanimously stated at the press conference that it marked a historical moment for both countries and the whole NATO Alliance.
“The German commitment of permanently stationing a brigade in Lithuania is a historical step for both Germany and Lithuania. We are turning over to a page of even deeper strategic partnership. The German Brigade will significantly increase our defensive potential and enhance NATO deterrence and collective defence. The Roadmap signed today lays out in detail the track we and Germany will take to implement it,” said A. Anušauskas.
“This is a historic day in terms of friendship between our nations. Germany understands clearly the new state of affairs in security politics: we are taking the role of leadership and responsibility in the Alliance as we deploy a combat brigade in Lithuania. We will ensure reliable deterrence and we will be ready to defence NATO. We are sending a clear signal with this step to those who present a threat to peace and security in Europe,” stated Minister B. Pistorius.
Ministers announced that the initial stage of the Brigade deployment to Lithuania was already underway and the Brigade Redeployment Element would be stationed in Vilnius as soon as next year. The main volume of the Brigade will arrive in 2025-2026 with 2027 expected to see Full Operation Capability. In its turn, Lithuania is committed to develop all necessary civilian and military infrastructure.
“As the Host Nation, we will be responsible for providing the best possible conditions for the German military and their families. We will need to do quite a lot of homework but I am certain we will be able to do it quickly and well. We will collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Defence throughout the implementation of the Roadmap: our combined efforts will make the German Brigade in Lithuania a real NATO enhanced forward presence role model,” stated Minister A. Anušauskas.
The Action Plan was drafted by an expert joint working group formed by the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany. The main part of the German Brigade will be stationed in the territory of Rūdninkai Training Area, while the remainder will be deployed in Rukla where Allied troops are located already. There will be also locations across Lithuania which will serve as logistical hubs for the Brigade. In total, approx. 5 thousand civilian and military personnel of the German Brigade are planned to be moved to Lithuania, a part of them will arrive with families and settle in in Kaunas and Vilnius.
Germany is deploying a heavy brigade with three maneuver battalions and all necessary enablers, including combat support and supply units. It will be formed by existing and new units. The 203rd Panzer Battalion based in North Rhine-Westphalia and the 122nd Armored Infantry Battalion currently based in Bavaria will be moved to Lithuania. The enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania will be transformed into a multinational battalion and become an integral part of the brigade.
Preparations to host the Brigade will be coordinate at the highest level by a Commission formed by the Government and headed by the Prime Minister. It will include Ministers of National Defence, Finance, Transport and Communion, Education, Science and Sport, Foreign Affairs and First Deputy Chancellor of the Government of Lithuania. The Commission will be responsible for core solutions of providing civilian infrastructure and services for the German Brigade. The Ministry of National Defence will remain at the helm of coordination of the deployment process of the German Brigade in Lithuania.
The Roadmap text is accessible via this hyperlink.