Germany’s deployment of a brigade in Lithuania is “right on schedule,” the unit’s leader told dpa on Thursday in Vilnius.
Brigadier General Christoph Huber is the head of the 45 Armoured Brigade of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military.
The force, established in response to the growing threat from Russia, is set to strengthen the protection of NATO’s eastern flank.
“We are making an important contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities,” Huber said.
The brigade formally entered service in April and is due to be fully operational by 2027, with a total strength of around 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff.
Some 400 soldiers are already on site, Huber said after an exchange with Reiner Haseloff, the premier of the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt who was visiting the troops.
Huber thanked Lithuania for its support in providing military infrastructure.
“These are primarily barrack facilities,” said the brigadier general, while also listing training and storage capacities. “And the good thing is: Lithuania is completely on schedule.”
Haseloff emphasized that Germany is making a significant contribution to ensuring Lithuania’s security. “It really is pioneering work that is taking place here,” he said.
The future headquarters of the brigade will be a barracks complex with a military training area in Rudninkai, which has yet to be built. The Bundeswehr will use temporary solutions until completion.