Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė met with Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius in Lithuania today. Ministers discussed relocation of the German brigade capabilities to Lithuania, acquisition of the Leopard 2 tanks, security of the Baltic undersea critical infrastructure, our commitment to step up the multinational operations mandate to include the NATO operation Kosovo Force (KFOR), and assistance to Ukraine.
Minister of National Defence D. Šakalienė informed Minister B. Pistorius about the important decisions taken at the State Defence Council last week to increase defence financing to 5-6% of GDP.
The German Brigade remains a top priority across all major political parties of Germany, therefore it should not bother Lithuania in light of the upcoming February elections. I signed a confirmation of procurement of 44 items of the Leopard 2 tanks on my visit to Germany before Christmas. I have requested Minister to look into the possibility to prioritise our requirement and deliver ahead of schedule following sped up payments, as well as to carry out full training of our troops before the equipment arrives. This would constitute a substantial step forward as addition of the tank platform enhances integrity and interoperability of Lithuanian and German forces. This is a critical aspect of modernising the Lithuanian Armed Forces and strengthening regional security,” said Minister of National Defence.
Ministers also elaborated significantly on the course of stationing the German Brigade in Lithuania. Minister D.Šakalienė asserted her German colleague that this step was an instance of true political leadership supported by the vast majority of the Lithuanian population. According to the most recent public opinion poll (December 2024), 85% of Lithuanian residents think that stationing the German Brigade will make our country safer and see Germany as a strategic security and defence partner (71%).
The number of German Brigade personnel in Lithuania is gradually increasing and will reach 500 by the end of the year. Lithuania will welcome signal, headquarters and service companies, as well as medical and logistical units in 2025. They will be housed in temporary infrastructure in Nemenčinė and Rokantiškės. The target is to have key Brigade units with all enablers stationed by 2027.
Lithuania has taken the decision to expand multinational operations mandate for KFOR with a platoon-sized unit which will be assigned to the German Contingent. Germany is a key partner in operations and Lithuania’s contribution to KFOR will further strengthen our ability to act together.
Ministers also addressed security of the undersea critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, assistance to Ukraine and the oncoming NATO Summit in The Hague. Both countries agreed to work to achieve executability of the NATO defence plans.
Photo credit: K. Kavolėlis / MoD