German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (third from right) visited Lithuania to mark the official formation of Germany's first permanent overseas military unit since World War II. PIC/AFP
Helicopters fly over the Cathedral Square during the line-up roll call ceremony for 45th Armoured Brigade at in Vilnius, Lithuania
Germany has stationed troops in Lithuania since 2017 to help secure NATO’s eastern border, which lies near Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus. However, the new brigade marks a significant escalation in its commitment. An advance team has began preparations over a year ago and expanded into an “activation staff” of around 250 personnel
Following the formal inauguration of Germany’s 45 Armoured Brigade in Vilnius on Thursday, the unit is expected to reach its full strength of about 5,000 troops by the end of 2027, with deployments at Rukla and Rudninkai
Merz emphasized that alongside the new brigade, “Germany is making significant investments in its own armed forces.” He furthrt added, “With this, we aim to send a clear message to our allies: it’s time to invest decisively in our shared security. Together with our partners, we are fully committed to defending NATO territory against any form of aggression. The security of our Baltic allies is our security too"
Soon after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised to increase Germany’s defense spending to 2 percent of its GDP and set up a special 100 billion Euros (USD 113 billion) fund to modernize the Bundeswehr (Germany’s armed forces)
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany met the NATO defense spending target with the help of a special fund, which is expected to run out by 2027. Anticipating this, the new government passed measures to allow increased defense spending by loosening debt restrictions. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the first German chancellor to have served in the Bundeswehr, told parliament that the government will ensure the military will receive all necessary funding to become Europe’s strongest army
In January, Lithuania announced it will increase its defense spending to 5-6 percent of GDP next year, up from 3 perecent, becoming the first NATO country to commit to the 5 perecnt goal directed by the US President Donald Trump. NATO allies are also planning to achieve the aim for 3.5 perecnt of GDP on defense by 2032
Since taking office earlier this month, Merz has actively worked on diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that strong support for Ukraine requires unity among Europeans and close cooperation with the US whenever possible
ADVERTISEMENT
