Germany has launched its first permanent overseas military deployment since World War II, formally establishing the 45th Panzer Brigade in Lithuania as security concerns rise in the region.
The new brigade, officially inaugurated in Vilnius, will be stationed at a military complex currently under construction in Rūdninkai, just 30 kilometers south of the capital. The unit will consist of approximately 4,800 troops and 200 civilian personnel and is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
The move points out Germany’s deepening role in NATO’s defense posture, particularly in response to growing threats from Russia. “This is about our shared security. Germany stands firmly by its NATO commitments,” said Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the inauguration ceremony.
Berlin’s deployment is in the scope of NATO’s eastern flank and deter aggression near the alliance’s borders. Merz also pointed to Germany’s increasing defense expenditures and closer cooperation with NATO allies as a reflection of its strategic shift.
The 45th Panzer Brigade will significantly enhance NATO’s readiness in the Baltics.
