Germany sends soldiers for an indefinite period for the first time since World War II
Germany has taken a historic step and for the first time since World War II referred its military units abroad indefinitely. As reported by several media, including Newsweek and Business InsiderGerman armed forces (Bundeswehr), establish a new brigade in Lithuania, NATO member of NATO, borders to Russian exclusive Kaliningrad and a tight Russian ally of Belarus. This move represents A major shift in German defense policy and a concrete response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and care of the Baltic States.
It is the first long -term or permanent accommodation of German soldiers outside the country after the end of World War II, he points out Business Insider. Although Germany has participated in missions abroad in the past, such as the one in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021, its soldiers have never been installed abroad for an indefinite period.
After decades, when Germany has avoided a more pronounced military role on the international scene due to its history, this decision shows a radical change and take greater responsibility for European security. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has labeled the move as « an important day for the German army » and said that Germany « takes responsibility on the eastern wing of NATO with this move, » according to a German news agency Dpa.
A new brigade on the eastern wing
To this end, German armed forces have established a new unit, 45. The armored brigade (Panzerbrigade 45), whose establishment was celebrated with a ceremony near the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. The brigade will consist of several battalions and will count about 5,000 soldiers and civilian staff, states Bundeswehr. The goal is to keep the brigade full of operational and combat by 2027.
To this end, the German armed forces established a new unit, 45. The armored brigade (Panzerbrigade 45), which was celebrated with a ceremony near the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. Photo: Thilo Schmuelen/Reuters
Currently, there is a precursor to the Brigade Command, which has about 150 soldiers under the command of the Brigade General in Lithuania Christopha Huberand by the end of 2025, this number is expected to increase to 500, reported Newsweek. General Huber emphasized the clear purpose of the mission upon taking over the command: “We have a clear task. We must ensure the protection, freedom and security Newsweek. He added that by establishing the Brigade, Germany not only advances operational readiness, but also assumes responsibility « for the Alliance, for Lithuania, for the Security of Europe », and thus shows the determination to defend peace and freedom together with partners, writes, further. Business Insider.
Until the permanent base with a military trainer in Rudninkai, about 30 kilometers south of Vilnius, the units will operate from temporary bases.
Response to security challenges
The plan to install the brigade is based on an agreement between Germany and Lithuania from December 2023, which both countries already described as a historic moment for them and for NATO, as stated Newsweek. Is a direct response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and to warnings of the Baltic States that the Russian president’s expansionism Vladimir Putin He may not stop at Ukraine. Lithuania, which borders the strategically important Russian exclamation of Kaliningrad and Belarus, sees the installation of Allied forces as crucial for his security and sovereignty, writes The diror.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said that the German move is a « great example » for all countries on the East Wing NATO along the border with Russia and Belarus. « We will build such an architecture of defense and discourage that no opponent from the East would even think about the NATO testing, » he told reporters in Vilnius.
The Lithuanians are in fear that the expansionism of Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine. Photo: Sergei Ilyin/Reuters
As reported Newsweekthe German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the German army are expected to estimate that Moscow is preparing for the possibility of a greater war with NATO.
Germany Army is strengthening
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a wave of defense agreements and an increase in defense expenditure between European countries. Germany increased its defense expenses with 1.51 percent of GDP in 2022 to estimated 2.12 percent of GDP in 2024, states Thenexceeding the allied goal 2 percent. Although Germany took 15th place among 31 NATO members in terms of GDP for defense in 2024, the state is committed to further investment. The German Parliament recently supported the amendment of the constitution that would release additional billions of euros for defense purposes.
This increase in demand for military equipment also benefits the European Defense Industry. German weapon manufacturer Rheinmetall announced in March that he expects 25 to 30 percent higher sales this year, writes Business Insider.
The German Parliament recently supported the amendment of the constitution that would release additional billions of euros for defense purposes. Photo: Michaela Stache/Reuters
Lithuanian Defense Minister Devilė Shakalienė is in an interview for Business Insider February stressed that Europe has to « very quickly and very significantly increase its defense expenditures » in order to catch up with both the United States and Russia, which promotes its own defense production. « We have to catch up with the speed of Russia, » she said. She also expressed hope that, despite the critical positions of former President Trump to NATO and Ukraine, the United States will maintain their presence in Europe and support allies who fulfill their obligations.
