Germany Deploys 4,800 Troops Permanently to Lithuania First Time Since WWII

Germany has permanently deployed its 45th Armored Brigade, consisting of approximately 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff, to Lithuania for the first time since World War II, marking a historic shift in its military posture. The brigade, inaugurated by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Vilnius, is part of NATO's enhanced presence on the alliance's eastern flank and is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2027. This move is a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ongoing concerns about Russian aggression, highlighting Germany's commitment to European security and NATO defense. Chancellor Merz emphasized that protecting the Baltic states is integral to Germany's own security and pledged to strengthen the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest conventional army, with increased defense spending planned. Lithuania, bordering Russia and Belarus, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and is increasing its defense budget, with Germany’s deployment seen as a demonstration of leadership and solidarity within NATO. The permanent stationing of German troops in Lithuania signals a new era of German military engagement beyond its borders, reinforcing NATO's deterrence posture in a strategically sensitive region.