Germany has officially launched its first permanent military deployment in a new foreign territory since World War II, stationing a 5,000-strong armored brigade in Lithuania. This move aims to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Deployment Ceremony in Lithuania
On April 2, Germany’s newly established 45th Armored Brigade was formally activated in a ceremony near Vilnius. The brigade, which includes frontline forces and support units such as medical teams and signal corps, will play a key role in reinforcing NATO’s presence in the region.
“We have a clear mission: to ensure the protection, freedom, and security of our Lithuanian allies on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Brigadier General Christoph Huber during the ceremony. “By doing this, we are also defending NATO territory—and Germany itself.”
A Strategic Shift for Germany
Berlin’s decision marks a significant shift in Germany’s long-standing defense policy, which traditionally avoided permanent deployments of combat troops abroad. In 2023, Germany committed to a long-term military presence in Lithuania, breaking with past defense strategies to enhance regional security.
The brigade is expected to be fully operational by 2027 and will be permanently based at a newly constructed military complex in Rūdninkai, about 30 kilometers south of Vilnius. Until then, German troops will operate from temporary Lithuanian bases.
A Critical Step for NATO
Currently, 150 German soldiers are stationed in Lithuania, with numbers set to rise to 500 by the end of the year. The deployment is seen as a crucial part of NATO’s strategy to shift from deterrence to active defense, particularly as the Baltic region remains a frontline area amid rising tensions with Russia.
For Lithuania, which shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave and Kremlin ally Belarus, Germany’s military presence is a vital component of national security. The move reinforces NATO’s long-term commitment to the region, signaling a strong response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
