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Germany has commenced its first permanent foreign military deployment since World War II by stationing the 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania.
This brigade, comprising approximately 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff, is expected to be fully operational by 2027. The deployment aims to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank in response to security concerns following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a visit to Vilnius, emphasized the importance of defending NATO territory and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to collective security. He stated that “protecting Vilnius is protecting Berlin,” bridging the interconnectedness of European defense.
The deployment includes various support units such as medical centers, signal companies, and command support teams, enhancing the brigade’s operational capabilities. Lithuania, sharing borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, has been a vocal advocate for increased NATO presence in the region. The Lithuanian government has pledged infrastructure support for the brigade, including the construction of necessary facilities.
Other NATO countries have also increased their military presence in Eastern Europe. France, the UK, and Canada lead NATO battle groups in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, respectively. These deployments are part of a broader strategy to deter potential aggression and reassure Eastern European allies.
Germany’s decision to station troops permanently abroad marks a shift in its defense policy, historically cautious since WWII. This move reflects a growing consensus among NATO members on the need to bolster defenses in response to evolving security challenges in the region.
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