German Chancellor Metze emphasized after meeting with Lithuanian President Nausėda, "The security of our Baltic allies is also our security." Metze, along with Defense Minister Pistorius, attended the ceremony in Vilnius celebrating the formation of a new German brigade responsible for defending NATO's eastern flank. He assured the Lithuanian people, "You can count on us, you can count on Germany."
The 45th Armored Brigade is set to be permanently stationed in Lithuania, with nearly 5,000 German soldiers deployed. Officially established on April 1 in Vilnius, this brigade was sent in response to Lithuania's request and to address Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It marks the ninth brigade of the German Bundeswehr stationed in Lithuania.
Defense Minister Pistorius stressed that Germany is prepared to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory, stating that the deployment of this brigade in Lithuania sends a strong signal to partners and a clear message to potential adversaries. Lithuania, with a population of 3 million, is situated between the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, sharing a nearly 680 km border with the latter.
Meanwhile, Lithuania is also working on building a strong armored force, having ordered 44 German-made Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, which will enhance cooperation between the two militaries. Since summer 2023, Pistorius has been pushing for the establishment of this brigade. Infrastructure development is ongoing, and by the end of the year, the total number of German soldiers is expected to reach 5,000.
The legal basis for the brigade's stationing in Lithuania is an intergovernmental agreement reached between Germany and Lithuania in September 2024. This agreement aims to create optimal conditions for German soldiers and their families, including the provision for using Lithuanian properties rent-free and deciding on weapon and ammunition storage independently.