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Lithuania and Germany solemnly inaugurate the German Brigade Litauen in a historical step to Lithuania's and NATO security

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-05-23
German brigade in Lithuania | International cooperation | Security and sdefense policy

A solemn inauguration ceremony of the 45 German Brigade Litauen was held in the Cathedral Square of Vilnius marking the official activation of the unit in Lithuania.

"This is the first time Germany stations troops on the territory of another country. It is a historical example of leadership. The German military personnel who have already arrived will protect freedom and the Alliance while we in our turn are doing and will do everything to create the needed infrastructure on time, to ensure full Host Nation Support and to make the German troops feel that they belong in our freedom-loving country," says Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.

"Two years since taking the decision to station a German brigade in Lithuania, today we are able to celebrate its activation, in a testament to our commitment to bear the burden of Europe's strongest economy. It is a pleasure to experience such a close and friendly cooperation between Lithuania and Germany. I wish to express a particular gratitude to our servicemen and servicewomen, civilian personnel and the families. They are dedicated to making the Zeitenwende happen and contributing in building future security. Our partners know they can rely on Germany. We know what our duty is: to stand by Lithuania in defence of the eastern flank of NATO," says Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius.

The solemn ceremony was conducted in the presence of President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė and Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius.

Nearly a thousand troops lined up in the Cathedral Square for the ceremony. The Lithuanian Armed Forces' servicemembers stood side by side with staff personnel of the German 10 Armored Division, members of the 45 Armored Brigade, 122 Armored Infantry and the 203 Tank Battalions, and the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania.

Two mission bands were bestowed on the 45 Armored Brigade. The first one was presented by Federal Chancellor of Germany F. Merz and Minister of Defence B. Pistorius, and the second - by President of Lithuania G. Nausėda and Minister D. Šakalienė officially naming the unit Brigade Lietuva.

The ceremony culminated in a fly-past by the German Air Force helicopters.

The 45 Armored Brigade is stationed in Lithuania with its three maneuver battalions and all combat support and logistical units gradually. There are approx. 500 German troops serving in Lithuania on the ground currently. The Brigade is planned to reach full operational capability in 2027 amounting to the strength of 5 thousand German military and civilian personnel.

The decision to station a German brigade in Lithuania was made in 2023. This historical decision is a reflection of NATO commitments to collective and supports the Alliance's regional defence plans. The Brigade is the first German military units stationed outside Germany's borders in a significant step towards stronger security and stability across the region.