Lithuania has embarked on the construction of a major military base, set to house up to 4,000 German troops once completed in 2027. This marks the first permanent foreign military deployment for Germany since World War II, signifying a shift in its security posture in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Germany’s commitment to deploying troops in Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member bordering Russia, was made last year. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius likened this move to the deployment of allied forces in West Germany during the Cold War, emphasizing its strategic importance in deterring any potential aggression from Russia.
The base in Rudninkai, situated near the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and just 20 kilometers from Belarus, a close ally of Russia, will include extensive facilities for troops, tank and equipment storage and maintenance, and firing ranges. An additional 1,000 German military personnel and civilian contractors will be stationed at other locations across Lithuania.
The construction project is a significant investment for Lithuania, with the country estimating a cost of over €1 billion ($1.1 billion) over the next three years. This represents one of the largest construction undertakings in Lithuanian history, underscoring the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities.
Despite the ambitious scope of the project, concerns have emerged regarding its completion timeline. Only a fifth of the buildings at the Rudninkai site have been contracted for construction, raising fears that the base might not be ready by the scheduled 2027 deadline. Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas assured the public that contracts for the remaining work will be awarded by the end of this year, coinciding with the end of his government’s term.
Germany’s commitment to equipping the base extends beyond physical infrastructure. The German government has requested parliament to approve €2.93 billion for the purchase of 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks, a significant portion of which would be deployed at the Lithuanian base. However, internal budget disputes within Germany’s ruling coalition threaten to jeopardize this acquisition, potentially impacting the base’s operational readiness.
Lithuania, in response to the evolving security landscape, has increased its defense spending to 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) this year. The government of Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has also implemented tax hikes to fund ongoing defense needs, including the new base. Simonyte highlighted the interconnectedness of security, stating, “If we are not secure, there is no security for them,” referring to Germany.
The construction of the German military base in Lithuania is a significant development in the region’s security architecture, demonstrating the commitment of both Lithuania and Germany to deterring any potential Russian aggression. The project, however, is not without its challenges, with completion deadlines and budget constraints posing potential hurdles. As the situation unfolds, the base’s strategic significance and its impact on the security dynamics of the Baltic region will be keenly observed.
