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The best possible conditions for our Allies on the ground: Lithuania unveils brand new military infrastructure in Pabradė for U.S. forces

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-11-26
Acquisitions and infrastructure development

New military infrastructure developed in Pabradė for the U.S. forces in Lithuania has been solemnly unveiled. It includes three buildings of barracks, a multifunctional facility with a gym, classrooms, mess halls, technical maintenance area, helipads, and more.

"Infrastructure of the Pabradė Training Area is about to become one of the most advance military sites in the Baltic states. The U.S. military presence in Lithuania is critical, which is why our aim is to offer the best living and training conditions for our strategic partners. Hand in hand, the inauguration of the new infrastructure and the decision on expanding the Host Nation Support Package to include all costs of U.S. military presence in Lithuania underlines Lithuania's commitment to the NATO collective defence and deterrence. It is yet another proof we are called an exemplary Ally for a reason," says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.

Lithuania aims to provide advanced service conditions sufficient for excellent military readiness for Allied forces in Lithuania. On October 3 the current 12th U.S. rotation in Lithuania moved from Camp Herkus built in 2021 to the new and permanent infrastructure in Pabradė. The new barracks now houses the two U.S. battalions with their Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the Paladin self-propelled howitzers deployed in Lithuania from the 1st Cavalry Division (Texas).

"The infrastructure we are unveiling today means much more than just concrete, steel and technology. We are opening a new gate for cooperation, a site for joint training, preparation and readiness to act for the Lithuanian and U.S. forces. As the Host Nation, we are proud being able to provide the conditions for our Allies to act, exercise and achieve success. This infrastructure is a testament to our commitment," says Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Brigadier General Nerijus Stankevičius.

Camp Herkus remains to be the Lithuanian home to the U.S. forces operating HIMARS. Lithuania currently hosts approx. 1 thousand U.S. military personnel equipped with different capabilities and vehicles.

The three new barracks are planned to be called by the names of trees native to Lithuania: Oak, Birch and Maple. The multifunctional centre will be names after the warriors defending everyone's freedom. It will also immortalize the memory of the four American servicemembers who perished in a training accident in Pabradė this March: Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez, Jr., Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco, Private First Class Dante D. Taitano, and Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins.

"The United States will celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, the time to reflect of gratefulness and the connections that support us, regardless of who it is specifically - family, friends, the community. The occasion we share today is an embodiment of that same spirt: we thank Lithuania for the steadfast support and lasting partnership that makes our Alliance and share security stronger," says Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania Kara C. McDonalds.

All the buildings in the new Pabradė infrastructure meet the standard of A++ class energy efficiency. The new utility network including water supply, waste, gas and electric constructed together with the site are integrated with the nearest civilian urban infrastructure. The new military site is also supported by the recently reconstructed railhead with reinforced concrete walls, new unloading area, reconstructed and built asphalt concrete and concrete roads. The works were completed by Merko Statyba UAB.

"We recognize the meaning and value of this project and we understand its immense importance to Lithuania and security. It was a thoroughly binding commitment to pull together the team effort, expertise of the local and international group, and trusty partners, to deliver to high standard and on time," says Merko Statyba UAB CEO Saulius Putrimas.

The project launched in September 2023 to provide training and living infrastructure for NATO forces was funded by the Ministry of National Defence and NATO through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). One of the most massive Host nation Support projects region-wide gives Lithuania the capacity to ensure host Nation Support to the Allies in peacetime, during exercises or in the event of war.

The approx. EUR 280 million project encompasses comprehensive investment in the development of the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area: from utilities and internal roads to modern barracks and workshops.

The inauguration is accompanied by Lithuanian investment in training and exercises infrastructure: extension of firing ranges and maneuver areas, provision of dark part of the day training availability, as well as conditions for electronic warfare, UAV and other breakthrough technology training support.

Complex investment in military infrastructure combined with persistent Allied presence in Lithuania strengthens collective deterrence in the Baltic region and contributes to collective defence.