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Lithuania re-establishes the 1st Division of the Lithuanian Armed Forces

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-01-28
Development and Strengthening of the Armed Forces | Security and defense policy

January 28, Rukla, re-established 1st Division of the Lithuanian Armed Forces was inaugurated with top political and military leadership in attendance. 250 years past the formation of Lithuania's first regular division in 1775, its modern twin has kicked off with the first staff and division commander in strength.

"We made a commitment to the Lithuanian public that it will be able to catch a breath reassured that as a country we are doing everything necessary to have the capability to operate a division in full operational capacity by 2030, which is one of the critical components of our defence. We cannot afford to skip the job required for our security. That is why we had to take fundamental, key decisions without delay to make a step forward in national defence, fill in defence funding gaps, and most importantly, do the homework to maximum extent. Therefore, we work shoulder to shoulder with all National Defence institutions, President and the Government every day for the sake of our mutual national interest and to deliver on this commitment," says Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.

The Divisions under command of Brigadier General Aurelijus Alasauskas is formed by the Lithuanian Land Force Brigades Iron Wolf and Griffin, Reserve Brigade Aukštaitija, and with air defence, engineer, reconnaissance and artillery units. The established Division Staff begins arrangements for military training of the assigned units as of this year aiming for Full Operational Capacity by 2030.

"Today we celebrate the inauguration of the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Element. The Re-established 1st Division dating back to the Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth traditions marks a quality milestone in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We are expanding our deterrence and victory capacities. We will not stop at this and continue to develop the Lithuanian Armed Forces to ensure security of the state of Lithuania and our citizens," said Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras.

When the Division reaches Full Operational Capability, it will function as one of the main components of Allied defence of Lithuania's land territory. Since many NATO members have divisions at the centre of their armies, Lithuania needs to interact with Allied divisions in collective defence activities. Formation of a national division will allow Lithuania to integrate and bring equal maneuver, fire support, logistical, reconnaissance and other capabilities to the table.

Establishment of national divisions as the central tactical unit was officially identified at the NATO Summit in Madrid in 2022, and approved in Lithuania at the State Defence Council meeting in May 2023 in light of the arising threats and executability of the NATO regional defence plans. The Division is planned to operate tanks, wheeled and tracked IFVs, and expanded air defence, engineer, reconnaissance and artillery capabilities. Re-establishment of the 1st Division will take the Lithuanian Armed Forces' capacity of warfare to a new qualitative and quantitative level.