Germany deploys permanent soldiers in NATO’s eastern wing at the last minute
Germany Launches First Permanent Foreign Military Deployment Since World War II
Germany has officially launched its first permanent foreign military deployment since World War II on Tuesday. The country established an armored brigade in Lithuania as part of NATO’s Eastern Wing of 5,000 troops to counter the Russian-Ukraine war.
According to Politico, the newly created 45th armored brigade was officially put into operation with a ceremony outside Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Brigadier General Christoph Huber has been appointed as the commander of the brigade, emphasizing the duty to protect NATO territory and Germany in the eastern wing.
The move is seen as a significant development for Lithuania’s national security, given its proximity to Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus. The presence of German troops in the region symbolizes NATO’s commitment to deterrence in the face of ongoing conflicts.
Germany abandoned its policy of avoiding permanent combat units in defense in 2023, aiming to have the brigade fully operational by 2027. The troops will be deployed in a new military complex in Rūdninkai, south of Vilnius. Currently, there are 150 German soldiers in Lithuania, with plans to increase the number to 500 by the end of the year.
The deployment of German troops in Lithuania is part of NATO’s strategy of deterrence through advanced defense. It also represents a shift in Germany’s image of reluctance towards military force, as noted by Politico.
Prime Minister Candidate Friedrich Merz has emphasized the need for increased investment in Germany’s armed forces since the Cold War. Germany recently passed a major reform on the constitutional debt brake, paving the way for significant funding for defense.
The decision to deploy troops in Lithuania is a clear indication of Germany’s commitment to NATO and regional security in the face of ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe.
