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Bundeswehr starts historic tank brigade in Lithuania – Merz and Pistorius celebrate!
The Bundeswehr will set up a tank brigade in Vilnius on May 22, 2025 to counter the growing threat from Russia.
Bundeswehr starts historic tank brigade in Lithuania – Merz and Pistorius celebrate!
In an important ceremony today, May 22, 2025, the Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania was officially commissioned. The event took place in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and was attended by Chancellor Merz and Defense Minister Pistorius. This step marks the first permanent deployment of a Bundeswehr troop unit abroad and is a response to the growing threats from Russia on NATO's eastern flank.
During the ceremony, the brigade received not only its troop flag, but also a Lithuanian and a German flag ribbon. The brigade is also nicknamed “Lithuania”. Around 400 members of the brigade are currently stationed in this operation, while the planned permanent presence is designed for up to 5,000 soldiers. The aim is for the brigade to be fully operational within the year after next.
Strategic significance of the deployment
The deployment of the brigade in Lithuania underscores NATO's increased military efforts to secure Europe's eastern flank. The military presence is intended not only to provide a deterrence against potential aggressors, but also to strengthen the defense capability of allied forces in the region. According to information from the Bundeswehr the soldiers in Lithuania are part of this strategic realignment.
Today's ceremony was seen by political and military leaders as an important step for security in the region. It is a clear message that Germany and its allies are ready to resolutely confront the challenges on NATO's eastern flank.
With the final deployment and preparation of the Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, a significant part of NATO's defense strategy will be further solidified.