Germany made history this week by beginning its first permanent foreign military deployment since World War II – stationing troops in Lithuania as part of NATO’s eastern flank against Russian aggression. Our partners at BBC +1 offered this story. On May 22nd in Vilnius, Germany’s 45th Armoured Brigade – also known as Brigade Litauen – was officially inaugurated, representing a significant shift in Germany’s postwar military strategy. Expected to reach full operational capacity by 2027 with approximately 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff members, this brigade should see substantial change for Germany postwar. Financial Times Business Insider Wikipedia and The Guardian all provide updates. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was present for the launch ceremony and stressed its significance for European security, noting “Protecting Vilnius is Protecting Berlin,” underlining its strategic significance to Germany and Berlin alike. When speaking at Business Insider’s +5 event with Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda he made this point clear by declaring it an important momentous occasion: it marked Germany’s commitment to protect both countries simultaneously – “Protecting Vilnius is Protecting Berlin,” according to Merz’s remarks underlining its strategic significance to Germany itself and Berlin alike. For Business Insider’s +5 ceremony Business Insider plus 5 This decision to station troops in Lithuania comes after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and ongoing concerns of possible aggression toward NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus. Lithuania shares borders with both Kaliningrad (a Russian exclave) and Belarus and has long advocated for increased NATO presence in that region. Facebook +5 | Business Insider +5 | Wikipedia Germany’s “Zeitenwende,” or turning point policy, seeks to strengthen Germany’s military capabilities and assume a more proactive role in European defense. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany established a EUR100 billion modernization fund for the Bundeswehr as well as increasing defense spending to meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP by increasing defense expenditure by 1.8% annually. Financial Times; The Guardian; AP News and Business Insider all report the deployment. Lithuania has pledged its support for Germany’s brigade by investing EUR1.7 billion in infrastructure including accommodations, training facilities and support services to accommodate it. Rukla and Rudninkai Training Area will serve as primary garrison locations. These sources report on this development: Business Insider; Financial Times and Wikipedia The 45th Armoured Brigade will join NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in Lithuania as a permanent force structure, transitioning from rotating forces. This integration aims to increase NATO deterrence capabilities while also guaranteeing rapid response readiness in the region. The Guardian +5 +5 Although welcomed by NATO allies, the deployment presents logistical and financial challenges. Germany estimates the costs associated with creating and operating a brigade in Lithuania at EUR6-9 billion annually with annual operating expenses estimated to reach about EUR800 million. Wikipedia Despite these obstacles, both German and Lithuanian officials see this deployment as necessary to reinforce NATO’s eastern defenses and deter potential aggression from Russia. As German Chancellor Merz has stated: “This deployment stands as a historic example of leadership and represents our dedication to safeguarding the security of our allies.” BBB +8 For further coverage see BBC +8 Business Insider +8 YouTube +8 Germany’s establishment of the 45th Armoured Brigade in Lithuania marks an important turning point in their defense policy and symbolizes their renewed dedication to collective security within NATO alliance.
