Lithuanian brigade could be cheaper than thought
Around 5,000 German soldiers are set to be stationed in Lithuania by 2027 as part of NATO's eastern flank. This comes with significant costs, but a media report suggests they will be lower than initially assumed. Infrastructure issues are reportedly causing problems in the Baltic state.
The permanent stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania is expected to cost less than initially estimated by the Federal Ministry of Defense, according to a media report. The federal government now plans to spend four to six billion euros on military equipment, the "Spiegel" reported, citing a letter from the Federal Ministry of Finance to the chairperson of the Bundestag's Budget Committee, Helge Braun. In April, the costs for necessary armaments such as tanks and ammunition were estimated at six to nine billion euros.
The new figures are based on a report from the Federal Ministry of Finance to the chairperson of the Bundestag's Budget Committee, Helge Braun, according to the "Spiegel." Finance State Secretary Florian Toncar explained the reduced cost estimates, among other things, by the fact that the Lithuania brigade will be composed of both new and existing units already equipped with material. Furthermore, the specific "military tasks" of the combat unit have been defined since April.
From the end of 2027, when the brigade is expected to be fully operational, annual operating costs of one billion euros are anticipated. However, these figures are also estimates, as the finance department has repeatedly emphasized in its letter. The extent of costs for "attractiveness measures" to encourage soldiers to move to Lithuania and potentially bring their families is still unclear.
Barracks construction lagging behind
The German military plans to permanently relocate around 5,000 soldiers to the Baltic state by 2027 to strengthen NATO's defense of its eastern flank against Russia.
However, the "Spiegel" reports that concerns are growing within the defense ministry that the original timeline for the Lithuania brigade may not be met. The magazine reports that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was recently informed that Lithuania is not progressing fast enough with the construction of the necessary barracks, training areas, and buildings for storing tanks and other military vehicles for the Germans.
The construction of barracks and other necessary facilities in Lithuania is delayed, posing challenges for the German military's planned relocation of 5,000 soldiers by 2027. This potential delay could affect the implementation of NATO's strategy to strengthen its eastern flank against threats, such as the ongoing attack on Ukraine.
