Lithuania has taken a significant step towards strengthening NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe by commencing construction of a new military base. This base, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, will accommodate up to 4,000 German combat-ready troops, making it the largest permanent foreign deployment of the German military since World War II.
Germany’s decision to deploy troops in Lithuania, a NATO and EU member bordering Russia, stems from heightened concerns about Russia’s military activities. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius likened the deployment to the presence of allied forces in West Germany during the Cold War, highlighting its significance in deterring potential aggression.
The base, located in Rudninkai, near the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and just 20 kilometers from Russia’s ally Belarus, will serve as a crucial strategic point for NATO forces. It will include housing, storage and maintenance facilities for tanks and other equipment, as well as shooting ranges of various sizes. An additional 1,000 German military and civilian contractors will be stationed at other sites in Lithuania.
The project comes at a substantial cost for Lithuania. The country is expected to invest over €1 billion ($1.10 billion) over the next three years, making it one of the largest construction projects in its history. This investment underscores Lithuania’s commitment to bolstering its national security and deterring Russian aggression.
Despite the ambitious scope of the project, there are concerns about the project’s timeline. Only a fifth of the buildings in Rudninkai have been contracted for construction, raising fears that the base might not be ready on schedule. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas has assured that contracts for the remaining works will be awarded by the end of this year.
The German government, in preparation for the base’s establishment, has requested €2.93 billion from parliament to procure 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks, partially intended for the Lithuanian base. However, internal budget disputes within Germany’s coalition government threaten to delay the procurement process and potentially jeopardize the promised military upgrades.
Lithuania, for its part, has significantly increased its defence spending to 3% of its GDP this year. The government, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, has implemented tax hikes to support the base and other defence needs in the coming years. Simonyte emphasized the mutual benefit of the partnership, stating that Lithuania’s security is intertwined with Germany’s.
