2024-04-08 07:42:43
“This is a huge deterrent effect, it takes us to another level of security and it is an example for other countries on the Eastern flank to create such defense and deterrence architectures internally,” L. Kasčiūnas said to LRT radio on Monday.
According to him, by 2027 The deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania together with the accommodation of soldiers and their families will cost the country about 800 million. euros.
“The total amount is about 800 million. euros during those few years. The amount is worth it. This is the defense, security and deterrence effect that we will have when the German brigade moves here. This is done gradually, disintegrating over time. We are capable of doing that,” said the minister.
“Everyone, both left and right, agrees that the arrival of the German brigade is a priority for national security, so no matter who is in power, this project will go smoothly,” he added.
According to L. Kasčiūnas, the deployment of the brigade is proceeding according to plan.
Berlin in 2022 committed to deploying a brigade-sized military unit in Lithuania in the summer – such an agreement is provided for in the communique signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Gitan Nausėda.
After long-lasting discussions, in December of last year, the defense ministers of Lithuania and Germany signed an action plan for the deployment of the brigade. Berlin will send the 122nd Armored Infantry Battalion, currently stationed in Oberfichtach in southern Germany, and the 203rd Armored Battalion, based in Augustdorf in western Germany, to Lithuania.
The combat group of the forward forces currently in Lithuania will be reformed into a multinational battalion and will become an integral part of the brigade.
In total, it is intended to transfer about 5 thousand people to Lithuania. Soldiers and civilians of the German brigade. Some of them will come with their families.
It is planned that by 2026 most of the brigade will be transferred to Lithuania. According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the brigade will gain full operational capacity in 2027.
2024-04-08 07:42:43