Germany is stationing troops abroad for the first time since the Second World War

Germany is stationing troops abroad for the first time since the Second World War

Vilnius, Lithuania – Chancellor Friedrich Merz has launched a pioneering German brigade in Lithuania to help protect NATO's eastern flank. He declared on Thursday: “The security of our Baltic allies is also our security,” as concerns about Russian aggression persist.

Strengthening NATO's eastern flank

Merz emphasized that strengthening German military forces sends a signal to the allies to invest in their own security. The brigade's stationing in Lithuania is the first time since the Second World War that a German brigade has been stationed long-term outside of Germany. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said after the meeting with Merz: "This is a historic day. A day of trust, responsibility and action."

Full operational readiness by 2027

Since 2017, Germany has stationed troops in Lithuania - directly on the border with the Russian exclave Kaliningrad and Moscow's ally Belarus - in order to secure NATO's eastern border. With the new brigade, Germany is significantly deepening its commitments. An advance guard began preparations a little over a year ago and grew to an “activation staff” of about 250 people last fall. The 45th Armored Brigade is expected to reach its full strength of about 5,000 soldiers stationed in Rukla and Rudninkai by the end of 2027.

Important military presence in Vilnius

Dozens of military helicopters flew over the central Cathedral Square in Vilnius at midday on Thursday as the inauguration came to an end due to rain. Hundreds of soldiers and spectators were present. Merz said at the event: “Protecting Vilnius also means protecting Berlin.” The deployment in Lithuania is part of Germany's efforts to bolster its military capabilities after years of neglect as NATO members face pressure from further increases in defense spending amid possible further Russian aggression and pressure from Washington.

Massively upgrade the Bundeswehr

Merz explained that Germany is “investing massively in its own armed forces” beyond the new brigade. “We would also like to send a signal to our allies: let us now invest decisively in our own security,” he added. "Together with our partners, we are determined to defend the Alliance's territory against any - indeed any - aggression. The security of our Baltic allies is also our security."

Increase defense spending in Lithuania

Lithuania announced in January that it would increase its defense spending to between 5% and 6% of GDP from next year, up from just over 3%. This makes Lithuania the first NATO nation to set the 5% target demanded by US President Donald Trump. A plan is being developed for all allies to spend 3.5% of GDP on their defense budgets by 2032, plus an additional 1.5% on potentially defense-related items such as infrastructure - roads, bridges, airports and seaports.

Goals by 2032

Merz explained in Lithuania that these figures appear “sensible and also achievable” – at least in the coming period up to 2032. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced earlier this week that there are plans to increase defense spending by 0.2 percentage points annually over the next five to seven years.

Diplomatic efforts for peace in Ukraine

Merz has stepped up diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine since taking office earlier this month. “We stand firmly with Ukraine, but we also stand together as Europeans – and, whenever possible, we play as a team with the USA,” he said.