INVC NEWS
Berlin — : Germany has taken a historic leap in European defense policy by officially stationing its armed forces in Lithuania, marking the first long-term deployment of German troops outside the country since World War II. The deployment was formalized during a high-profile inauguration of the Berlin Brigade, led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Lithuania to oversee the ceremony.
On May 22, Chancellor Merz was joined by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as the 45th Armored Brigade — Germany’s latest heavy combat unit — was officially activated. The unit represents a clear signal of Germany’s renewed commitment to NATO and to protecting the eastern flank of the alliance amid mounting tensions with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
The deployment also carries symbolic and strategic weight. With Lithuania sharing borders with both Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, the presence of German troops is expected to bolster NATO’s deterrence posture in the Baltic region. Chancellor Merz emphasized the significance of the move by declaring, “The security of our Baltic allies is our security.”
Germany’s Military Repositioning Sends Clear Signal to Moscow
The creation and deployment of the Berlin Brigade is part of a broader German strategy to increase its presence on NATO’s eastern front. While Germany has previously rotated troops through NATO operations, this is the first time since the 1940s that a permanent unit has been stationed abroad with a long-term mission. The deployment follows more than a year of logistical and operational planning and builds upon a smaller presence Germany first established in 2017.
The 45th Armored Brigade will eventually comprise 4,800 German soldiers and 200 civilian personnel, reaching full operational capacity by 2027. On Thursday, military helicopters thundered across the skies above Vilnius’ Cathedral Square, signaling the start of this unprecedented military chapter.
Lithuania and Germany Deepen Defense Alliance
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda praised the deployment as a “historic day”, stating that Germany’s decision represents a “milestone” in European defense. Lithuania, already a staunch supporter of NATO, has announced it will raise its defense spending to between 5% and 6% of GDP by 2026 — the highest among NATO allies.
The German military’s move also aligns with Berlin’s increasing military investment. After Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine in 2022, Germany committed to meet NATO’s target of 2% defense spending relative to GDP. A $113 billion modernization fund for the Bundeswehr was subsequently launched by then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Germany Reemerges as a European Military Power
The deployment marks a strategic transformation for Germany’s post-war military doctrine, which for decades focused on domestic defense and peacekeeping. The Berlin Brigade in Lithuania represents not just boots on the ground, but a revitalized approach to European collective security. It sends a clear warning to adversaries: Germany is ready to defend NATO territory with full strength.
By 2027, with thousands of German troops integrated into the Lithuanian defense framework, NATO will have a formidable shield stationed right next to Russia’s borders. This move is being seen as a pivotal countermeasure to Moscow’s aggression and a bold commitment to European unity and defense.
