Political Analysis
Historic NATO Step - Germany’s Brigade Inaugurated in Lithuania
Irma Petraityte-Luksiene
“Guten Tag, Panzerbrigade 45!”
On May 22, 2025, the German 45th Armored Brigade “Lithuania” was officially inaugurated in a historic ceremony at Cathedral Square in Vilnius.
The event, attended by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Defense Ministers Dovilė Šakalienė and Boris Pistorius, as well as the Chiefs of Defense General Raimundas Vaikšnoras and General Carsten Breuer, marked a significant milestone in NATO’s regional defense.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda called the arrival of the German brigade a historic turning point, emphasizing that its deployment will help deter Russia, strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, and deepen military cooperation between Lithuania and Germany.
Nearly 1,000 troops from Lithuania, Germany, and NATO allies took part, symbolizing unity and deterrence. The ceremony featured national anthems, a display of military equipment, and the raising of the brigade’s flag alongside those of Lithuania and NATO. It concluded with a flyover of 17 Bundeswehr helicopters above Vilnius, greeted by applause from the gathered public. The brigade is expected to reach full operational capability by 2027.
German brigade strengthens lithuania and NATO’s eastern defense
The permanent stationing of a full German brigade in Lithuania represents a significant reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank and a direct, tangible response to Russia’s ongoing military threat in the region. More than a strategic adjustment, the deployment signals a renewed sense of allied solidarity and a strong reaffirmation of NATO’s collective defence commitment under Article 5.
Chief of Defence of Lithuania, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, underscored the importance of the deployment, stating: “The upcoming German brigade will unquestionably strengthen Lithuania's and NATO's eastern flank security. One of my top priorities is to provide the 45th brigade "Litauen" with sufficient host nation support and training to thoroughly integrate them in the defence structure. This project is a fundamental example of NATO's strength, resilience and capability to deter and defend the sovereignty, rights and values of ally nations"[1]
During the formal roll call of the 45th Armored Brigade, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reinforced this message: “Anyone who challenges NATO must know that we are prepared. Anyone who threatens an ally must know that the entire alliance will jointly defend every inch of NATO territory.”
The brigade’s presence in Lithuania is not only a military milestone but also a clear political signal: NATO remains united, vigilant, and ready to protect its members against any form of aggression.
"The German troops who have arrived are here to defend freedom and the alliance.”
A historical example of leadership
For the first time in its history, Germany is permanently stationing troops in another country, marking a powerful commitment to collective defense.
“It is a historical example of leadership. The German troops who have arrived are here to defend freedom and the alliance.”, said Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė. “We will provide the infrastructure and support to ensure they feel at home in our freedom-loving country.”[2]
Former Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas also praised both the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius for the historic decision to station the brigade permanently in Lithuania, as well as the fedral chancellor Friedrich Merz for ensuring political support in Germany. Kasčiūnas called the inauguration a historic and emotional moment, symbolizing solidarity, trust, and a united Europe: “Germany stands with Lithuania. Lithuania will never stand alone.”[3]
To strengthen its defense and support this effort, Lithuania - already spending over 3% of its GDP on defence - plans to raise defence spending to over 5% next year.
The German Army’s 45th Armored Brigade during the formal roll call in Vilnius
Irma Petraityte-Luksiene; Irma Petraityte-Luksiene
Brigade structure and capabilities
The German Army’s 45th Armored Brigade is being gradually deployed to Lithuania, with full operational capability expected by 2027. Once complete, the Brigade will consist of around 5,000 military and civilian personnel, including three maneuver battalions, combat support, and logistics units. About 500 German troops are already stationed in Lithuania.
The relocation began in April 2024 and will accelerate through 2025 - 2026. The Brigade will be fully equipped and combat-ready, with permanent bases at the Rūdninkai training area and Rukla. While infrastructure at Rūdninkai is under development, early-arriving troops are based in Vilnius, using nearby Lithuanian military facilities in Nemenčinė and Rokantiškės.[4]
Main Units Relocating to Lithuania:
• 122nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Oberviechtach, Bavaria);
• 203rd Tank Battalion (Augustdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia);
• NATO’s Multinational eFP Battlegroup Lithuania, which will become the Brigade’s third combat unit.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces are part of NATO. The country has over 20,000 active-duty soldiers, several tens of thousands of active reservists, and more than 100,000 trained reserve personnel.[5]
Total defence in action
Lithuania's strength lies in its political, institutional, and civil will to defend itself. It was among the first countries to take concrete steps toward implementing a total defence model - one that engages not only professional armed forces but also the active participation of society, businesses, public institutions, and the Lithuanian diaspora in national defense. Lithuania’s total defence strategy is built on the principle that every citizen plays a vital role in the national defence system.
The presence of the German brigade in Lithuania not only enhances military capabilities, but also strengthens the overall resilience of it's society. Joint exercises, cooperation with local institutions, and the preparation of civilians for crisis situations are all key elements of a comprehensive deterrence strategy.
Germany’s Operational Plan (OPLAN DEU) also emphasizes that national defense is the responsibility of both the state and society as a whole.
Strong public backing of Bundeswehr in Lithuania
The deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania has received strong support from both politicians and the public. According to the survey “Germany through the Eyes of Lithuanians” conducted by the public opinion and market research company Baltijos Tyrimai and commissioned by the German Embassy in Lithuania, 72 percent of respondents favor the relocation of a German brigade-sized unit to Lithuania. Of these, 37 percent view it very favorably, while 35 percent express a more favorable than unfavorable opinion. The vast majority (73%) of those supporting the deployment believe, that relocating the brigade will enhance Lithuania’s security and strengthen deterrence. Another 5 percent said that the German soldiers’ superior experience and skills could be transferred to the Lithuanian military. Additionally, 4 percent of respondents believe that the brigade’s deployment demonstrates solidarity between Germany and the NATO Alliance.[6]
Thank you, Germany: “Vilnius is Berlin”
The Vilnius Municipal Commission for Historical Memory approved the proposal of mayor Valdas Benkunskas to install a plaque on the Town Hall, commemorating the words of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “Lithuania’s security is our security. The protection of Vilnius is the protection of Berlin.”
Chairwoman of the Historical Memory Commission, Kamilė Gogelienė, emphasized:
"Germany’s commitment to Lithuania is a historic one not only for our country but also for NATO. It is truly worthy of being commemorated, most of all, as a token of gratitude to Germany and its people.”[7]
[1] Private comment by Chief of Defence Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, 12.6.2025, unpublished.
[2] Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania (2025): Lithuania and Germany solemnly inaugurate the German Brigade Litauen in a historical step to Lithuania‘s and NATO security, URL https://kam.lt/en/lithuania-and-germany-solemnly-inaugurate-the-german-brigade-litauen-in-a-historical-step-to-lithuanias-and-nato-security/ [6.6.2025]
[3] Private comment by Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Former Minister of National Defence, 6.6.2025, unpublished.
[4] Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania (2025): German Brigade in Lithuania, URL https://kam.lt/en/german-brigade-in-lithuania/ [7.6.2025]
[5] German Embassy Vilnius (2025): Results of the Survey „ Germany in the Eyes of Lithuanians“, URL https://vilnius.diplo.de/lt-de/themen/2721168-2721168 [9.6.2025]
[6] Vaišvilaitė-Braziulienė, Justina (2025): Vilnius to put up plaque with German chancellor’s words, URL https://www.delfi.lt/en/politics/vilnius-to-put-up-plaque-with-german-chancellor-s-words-120117799 [8.6.2025]
Ramunas Danisevicius
About the Author
Irma Petraitytė-Lukšienė is an expert in civic resilience and total defence, focusing on Lithuania and the role of the diaspora in the total defence architecture. She is a board member of the Lithuanian World Community.