Germany Permanently Stations 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania as Russian Threats Rattle NATO’s East
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 30
Germany Permanently Stations 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania as Russian Threats Rattle NATO’s East
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 30
Germany has based its 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania, marking the first time since World War II that a full German battle brigade is permanently stationed abroad.
Lithuanians say the move strengthens deterrence against Russia, with fears growing that the country’s 15,000-soldier army could not repel an invasion alone.
The deployment also signals Berlin’s readiness to take a larger military role in Europe as confidence in U.S.-led NATO protection weakens under President Trump.
In Vilnius last year, Chancellor Friedrich Merz used the brigade’s investiture ceremony to vow that Germany would build Europe’s largest conventional army.
Is Germany's first permanent foreign deployment since WWII the start of European self-reliance or a step towards wider conflict?
With a €9 billion price tag and a soldier shortage, can Germany's new brigade truly defend NATO's eastern flank?