Pistorius promises "war-ready" Bundeswehr brigade
Germany wants to demonstrate its military strength on the border with Russia. Together with NATO partner Lithuania, a German combat brigade will be stationed in the Baltic republic until 2027. Defense Minister Pistorius speaks of a historic moment.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Arvydas Anusauskas have paved the way for the stationing of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania by signing a so-called roadmap. As announced by the Federal Ministry of Defense, the brigade with around 5,000 members of the German Armed Forces should be fully operational by the end of 2027. The ministry spoke of a "clear sign of solidarity with NATO allies".
According to the information, the brigade comprises around 4,800 soldiers and around 200 civilian employees - never before has the Bundeswehr stationed so many soldiers and civilian members of the Bundeswehr abroad on a permanent basis. They are to be stationed in Rudninkai and Rukla, close to the two major cities of Vilnius and Kaunas.
Next year, a preliminary command will begin work in Lithuania, which is to grow into a so-called deployment force by the end of 2024. In 2025, the Lithuanian brigade will be officially put into service with a deployment roll call.
"With this war-ready brigade, we are taking on a leadership responsibility here in the Alliance and on NATO's eastern flank," explained Pistorius during the signing ceremony in Vilnius. He spoke of a "historic moment". In the past, these had always been "temporary, rotating deployments". "This is new." Pistorius announced the permanent deployment of Bundeswehr soldiers to the NATO partner country in June. According to the Ministry of Defense, the aim is to deter Russia and protect the NATO alliance territory.
Following his visit to Lithuania, Pistorius wanted to travel on to Niger, according to a spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Defense. Among other things, he plans to visit soldiers at the air transport base there and hold talks with local officials. The Bundeswehr maintains an air transport base in the capital Niamey.
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Boris Pistorius reaffirmed the deployment of the German combat brigade to Lithuania until 2027, stating that it signifies a leadership role for Germany on NATO's eastern flank and a deterrent against Russia. This permanent deployment of the Bundeswehr is a significant milestone, as Boris Pistorius noted, as it marks a shift from temporary deployments to a more permanent presence, in partnership with NATO ally Lithuania.
Source: www.ntv.de
