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2mo ago

German State Leaders Visit Lithuania Brigade to Back Rapid Buildup

Their stop signals firm backing for Germany’s first permanent brigade abroad to bolster NATO’s eastern flank.

Peter Tschentscher (vorne r., SPD), Erster Bürgermeister von Hamburg, und Daniel Günther (l, CDU), Ministerpräsident von Schleswig-Holstein, werden bei ihrem Besuch bei der deutschen Panzerbrigade 45 „Litauen” vom stellvertretenden Kommandeur, Oberst André Hastenrath (2.v.l) begrüßt.
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Overview

  • The two state leaders, who visited the Panzerbrigade 45 site on Wednesday, met soldiers near Nemenčinė and voiced respect for their mission, including many from northern Germany who said they volunteered for the posting.
  • About 1,800 Bundeswehr troops are in Lithuania now, with plans to reach roughly 4,800 to 5,000 plus about 200 civilian staff by the end of 2027 when the new Rudninkai base south of Vilnius is due to open.
  • Rapid construction is adding barracks, offices, a German school and a daycare to support families and make long stays feasible for the unit.
  • The Bundeswehr is prioritizing new equipment for the Lithuania unit, including Puma infantry fighting vehicles, and WELT reports the newest Leopard tank variant is announced but not yet on site.
  • The deployment marks Germany’s first full brigade stationed abroad and is presented as a forward hold force until larger German help could arrive, with local reporting citing a plan for roughly 30,000 reinforcements within two days in a crisis.