According to the Lithuanian Minister of Defence, Robertas Kaunas, the preparations for stationing a German brigade of nearly 5,000 soldiers in his country are ahead of schedule.
Kaunas told “Welt” immediately before the visit of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) that the German brigade’s construction is progressing according to plan, stating that they are even ten months ahead of schedule for the initial phase. This, he added, means that infrastructure development is well advanced and the second phase can begin sooner. He views the project as a major milestone for relations between Germany and Lithuania.
On Monday, Kaunas and Pistorius will visit a joint exercise, “Freedom Shield,” in Pabrade, which will involve 2,900 soldiers and 800 vehicles from eight nations, led by German Brigadier General Christian Huber.
Minister Kaunas confirmed that the brigade is expected to begin operating at full capacity by the end of next year. “We can assume that by the end of 2027, Germany and Lithuania will have a fully equipped and ready-to-deploy brigade, perhaps even sooner,” he stated. He emphasized the crucial importance of this deployment for NATO’s deterrence on the eastern flank and for the security of Lithuania and the entire alliance area.
The German brigade will reportedly begin establishing its base in the Lithuanian city of Rudnikai this coming autumn. The troops will also reside there, partially alongside their families.
