Germany has deployed a new brigade to bolster NATO’s eastern flank in a historic move to deter Russia. The stationing of the troops in Lithuania marks the first time a German brigade is being based outside Germany on a long-term basis since World War 2.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who wants Germany to have the strongest army in Europe, said “the security of our Baltic allies is also our security” amid continued fears over the threat posed by Russia. A ceremony was held in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius to mark the occasion, with dozens of military helicopters flying over the city’s central cathedral square. Mr Merz told those in attendance that “protecting Vilnius is protecting Berlin”.
The new 45 Armoured Brigade is expected to be up to its full strength of about 5,000 by the end of 2027.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said: “This is a historic day. This is a day of trust, responsibility and action.”
Multinational NATO battlegroups, including UK troops, are deployed across the alliance’s eastern border as part of measures to deter Russian aggression.
Mr Merz said Germany is “massively investing” in its military and called on other NATO members to follow suit.
“With this, we also want to send a signal to our allies: let us now invest with determination in our own security,” he said.
“Together with our partners, we are determined to defend alliance territory against every — every — aggression. The security of our Baltic allies is also our security.”
A plan is reportedly being worked on that would see all NATO allies aim to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2032, with an extra 1.5% on defence-related items like infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports and seaports.
Mr Merz said the figures “seem sensible to us, they also seem reachable — at least in the time span until 2032 that has been stipulated.”
Germany last year spent just over the alliance’s current 2% target but Mr Merz, who was confirmed as Chancellor earlier this month, has made defence one of his top priorities.
The country’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius earlier this week said Berlin’s plan is to increase defence spending by 0.2 percentage points each year for five to seven years.
In January, Lithuania said from next year would raise its defence spending to between 5% and 6% of GDP, up from around 3%.
The UK plans to increase its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
