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The Lithuanian-German collaboration will only grow stronger, says Vice Minister of National Defence O. Mašalė

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-07-10
International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Vice Minister of National Defence in charge of support to stationing of the German Brigade of Lithuania Orijana Mašalė substituted for Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė at the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Berlin, also attended by Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras. Germany's contribution in strengthening the principles of collective defence and responsibility for the security of the whole Alliance was highlighted at the commemoration as well.

Vice Minister noted that Germany's anniversary as a member of NATO was an opportunity to look back at historical decisions and also to assess the modern security challenges and the Allied resolve to face them. According to O. Mašalė, Germany's decision to station a brigade in Lithuania is the most outstanding example of Allies building actual deterrence and collective defence capabilities.

"Stationing of the German Brigade in Lithuania is a historical milestone in our bilateral relations and one of the most important steps strengthening the NATO deterrence and defence on the eastern flank. It is not just a technical or temporary solution, it is a strategic choice which clearly demonstrates Germany's commitment to the defence of our region. This decision build a new quality in our partnership strengthening the coordination between our armed forces, facilitating long-term investment in infrastructure and other military capabilities, the economy as well, and most importantly, sending a strong message to our societies and potential aggressors: Lithuania is not alone. Our mutual security is being built here and now, together," says Vice Minister O. Mašalė.

Germany is one of Lithuania's key security partners. Since 2017, Germany has been the Framework Nation of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup building a strong basis for further bilateral defence cooperation which has now culminated in Germany's decision to station the 45th Armor Brigade in Lithuania. The historical decision taken in 2023 is a reflection of the NATO commitment to collective defence and is a part of the Alliance's regional defence plans. This is the first brigade of the German Armed Forces to ever be stationed outside Germany's borders, a significant step towards a stronger security and stability in the region.

The 45th German Armor Brigade with its three maneuver battalions and all organic combat support and logistical units is being moved to Lithuania gradually. There are currently approx. 500 Brigade personnel already in Lithuania, while the Full Operational Capability of the Brigade with its volume of 5000 German troops and civilians is scheduled for 2027.

Germany is also an active contributor to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, multinational military exercises and training events. This year, Lithuania took the decision to respond to the request of the German Ministry of Defence to increase national contingent in the NATO-led multinational KFOR. The Lithuanian platoon contributed to the operation will be attached to the German Company.