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Change of command and rotation at the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group at Rukla

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2023-08-09
International cooperation

August 9, change of command and contingent ceremony took a place at the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group (NATO eFP BG) at the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila Training Regiment (Rukla): LT Col Lars Neitzel handed over the command of the multinational unit to his successor German Army Lt Col Andreas Kirchner. The change of command and contingent of the 14th NATO eFP BG rotation was attended by Chief of the Defence Staff Maj Gen Mindaugas Steponavičius as Acting Chief of Defence, Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus, Multinational Division North East, MDNE, Commander Maj Gen Zenon Brzuszko, Commander Lithuanian Land Force Brig Gen Artūras Radvilas, Ambassadors and Defence Attachés of NATO eFP BG contributing nations, Lithuanian Land Force services commanders, other dignitaries.

"Our security environment is not improving, Russia continues the war in Ukraine and significantly undermines the Euro-Atlantic security. That requires our vigilance and readiness to enforce NATO's defensive posture in the region. Therefore, we are particularly grateful for all personnel of the NATO eFP Lithuania, their service here signifies the unbreakable Allied resolve and sthrength of the commitment to the NATO collective defence", said Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus.

Commander of the Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, the unit in which the NATO eFP BG Lithuania is integrated, Col Aurelijus Motiejūnas thatked the outgoing rotation on behalf of the Iron Wolf Brigade for the dedication and professionalism in routine assignments, training, deterring adversaries and ensuring regional security together.

Commander of the handing over rotation, Lt Col Lars Neitzel underscored in his farewell address that "Federal Minister of Defence has said 'Lithuanian security is our security', therefore past six months were especially intense, marked with numerus multinational exercises and airtight cooperation with Lithuanian and Allied military personnel to me and my troops. We were observing, drawing conclusions, preparing for the worst and stayed ready to respond anytime."

Lt Col Andreas Kirchner deployed from the German Army 363rd Panzer to assume the NATO eFP BG command for the next six months. He will lead approx. 1,600-strong BG armed with Leopard tanks, CV90 and Boxer IFVs, PzH2000 self-propelled artillery systems, etc. The incoming rotation is manned by Belgium, Czech Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Germany which is the framework nation of and the largest troop contributor to the NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania.

During peacetime, the NATO eFP BG conducts combat readiness training activities in Lithuania improving preparedness for the defence of Lithuania in case of a crisis or conflict side by side with national and follow-on Allied forces. The multinational unit in Lithuania consists of three companies with heavy equipment, a reconnaissance company, different combat support units and the headquarters. In case of necessity, exercises or real-life threat, the NATO eFP BG can be reinforced with additional capabilities: artillery, air defence, engineer and other units.