Federal Armed Forces brigade in Lithuania
The deployment of a brigade on Nato's eastern flank is the Federal Armed Forces' first military operation of its kind. The combat unit is to be established in Lithuania by 2027.
Vilnius (dpa) – In a formal roll call, the Federal Armed Forces brigade has been activated in Lithuania, to strengthen protection of Nato's eastern flank. In a military ceremony in Vilnius, the existing activation staff was transferred to the regular combat unit's staff. The event that also involved the unveiling of the 45th Armoured Brigade's coat of arms, took place in front of an office building.
"We have a clear mission: to ensure the protection, freedom and security of our Lithuanian allies on NATO’s eastern flank," said Brigadier General Christoph Huber (centre), the commander of the German brigade that is deployed in the Nato country. He added that the Nato territory and Germany, too, would be protected at the same time.
In response to the changed security situation in Europe and to Russia's aggression, the Federal Government had agreed to permanently deploy an operational combat unit capable of independent action in Lithuania. The brigade is scheduled to be combat-ready by 2027. Planning provides for permanent deployment of up to 5,000 soldiers, who will be based mainly in a barracks complex with a training area that is yet to be built in Rudninkai.