Germany deploys permanent military brigade in Lithuania to deter Russia

Germany strengthens NATO’s eastern flank with its first permanent overseas force since World War II.

Two NH90 helicopters of the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, are seen before takeoff through night vision goggles during the Griffin Lightning 2025 military exercise on May 17, 2025, in Panevezys, Lithuania. Photo by Alexander Koerner/Getty Images

By Clarisa Sendy and Anna Fadiah

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Lithuania on Thursday to inaugurate Germany’s first permanent overseas military brigade since the Second World War. This marks a pivotal moment in European security as Germany deploys a permanent military brigade in Lithuania to bolster NATO’s eastern defenses amid increasing Russian aggression.

The 45th Panzer Brigade, also known as the "Lithuania Brigade," is expected to grow to nearly 5,000 personnel by 2027. This deployment is the centerpiece of Germany’s effort to assume greater responsibility within the NATO alliance, particularly as fears grow over the potential for U.S. disengagement from European security under Donald Trump’s renewed presidential ambitions.

Merz’s visit to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius includes a ceremonial roll call marking the official formation of the combat unit. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will also attend, signaling the strategic importance of the deployment. With the full establishment of this brigade, Germany deploys a permanent military brigade in Lithuania to lead NATO’s deterrence strategy on the alliance’s most vulnerable flank.

A response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine

Germany’s decision to permanently base combat forces in Lithuania was catalyzed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—have long feared that their sovereignty could be threatened by the Kremlin. The positioning of a German brigade in Lithuania, nestled between Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, directly addresses these security concerns.

Although Germany has previously participated in multinational military operations in Afghanistan and Mali, the stationing of a full brigade overseas marks a historical break from Berlin’s post-war pacifist approach. The Bundeswehr, traditionally constrained by constitutional limitations and political caution, now steps into a new role as a cornerstone of NATO’s defense posture.

Deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer described the rollout as "an important milestone on the path to the permanent stationing of a German brigade on NATO's eastern flank," underlining Berlin’s strategic pivot.

Building Europe’s strongest conventional army

The establishment of the Lithuanian brigade also serves Merz’s broader goal of transforming the Bundeswehr into Europe’s most capable conventional military force. Germany deploys a permanent military brigade in Lithuania not only as a symbolic gesture of commitment but as a concrete step toward increasing its military readiness and influence.

Currently, around 400 German troops are stationed in Lithuania. That number is expected to rise to 500 by the end of the year. By February 2026, NATO’s existing multinational forces in Lithuania will be absorbed into the Panzer Brigade 45, increasing its strength to 1,800 personnel. Full operational capacity—up to 4,800 troops and 200 civilian Bundeswehr staff—is targeted for 2027.

This significant deployment reflects Germany’s response to calls for stronger defense capabilities. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for not meeting spending commitments. In turn, Germany has pledged to increase defense expenditure and take a leadership role in European security. The Lithuanian deployment is Berlin’s clearest demonstration yet of that pledge.

Coordination with Lithuania and Baltic allies

Merz is scheduled to meet with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda to discuss regional defense issues, with a strong focus on countering Russian influence. Lithuania, a NATO and EU member state with a population of 2.8 million, shares borders with both Kaliningrad and Belarus, making it a frontline state in any potential confrontation with Moscow.

Lithuania has committed to raising defense spending to 5.25% of its GDP to accommodate the German brigade and expand its own military capabilities. The Baltic country plans to invest approximately €1 billion to build the necessary infrastructure for Germany’s troops, including training facilities and accommodations.

Despite strong bilateral ties and aligned strategic goals, challenges remain. The speed of construction and logistics on the Lithuanian side will partly determine whether Germany can meet its 2027 target for full deployment.

Addressing internal military challenges

While Germany deploys a permanent military brigade in Lithuania, Berlin must also confront internal challenges within the Bundeswehr. Years of underfunding have left Germany’s armed forces with shortages in both personnel and equipment. Pistorius has described the Lithuanian deployment as "one of the most complex and ambitious projects" in the Bundeswehr’s modern history.

The German military currently faces a recruitment shortfall, with the goal of increasing active soldiers to 203,000 by 2031 still distant. In response, the German parliament passed legislation earlier this year aimed at making military service more attractive. This includes higher salaries, flexible work schedules, and improved conditions for soldiers posted abroad.

However, experts warn that without a cultural shift in how military service is perceived among young Germans, recruitment goals may remain elusive. New equipment acquisitions are also lagging, as procurement and production timelines extend over several years.

Expanded defense industry engagement

Germany’s military expansion is also spurring new defense industry investments in Eastern Europe. Last year, Rheinmetall, a major German arms manufacturer, signed an agreement with the Lithuanian government to build an ammunition production plant. The facility, which is expected to create at least 150 jobs, will produce tens of thousands of artillery shells annually.

The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to localize defense manufacturing and reduce reliance on external supply chains during conflict scenarios. Rheinmetall is also in discussions with neighboring Latvia to establish additional defense production sites, reflecting Germany’s intent to support not only NATO’s security needs but also economic development in the region.

Hybrid threats and future readiness

Germany’s presence in Lithuania comes amid growing concerns over hybrid threats from Russia. In recent months, German intelligence and Baltic defense officials have accused Moscow of engaging in cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and airspace violations. Earlier this month, a Russian surveillance aircraft operating out of Belarus was reported to be monitoring NATO exercises in Lithuanian airspace, according to Der Spiegel.

Such activities have heightened the urgency of NATO’s defensive preparations. With Germany deploys a permanent military brigade in Lithuania now a reality, analysts say NATO’s eastern flank is better positioned to respond quickly to provocations or escalation.

Despite the challenges, Germany’s move represents a turning point. After decades of post-war hesitation, the country is positioning itself as a military heavyweight on the continent. As Pistorius declared, "Germany is stepping up"—and its new brigade in Lithuania is the clearest sign yet of this transformation.

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