German Chancellor Mertz visited Lithuania on the 22nd to attend the ceremony for the official establishment of the first German permanent overseas military unit since World War II. This unit is intended to strengthen the defense and deterrence on NATO's eastern flank.
The deployment of the German army is aimed at deterring potential Russian aggression against Lithuania and the Baltic coastal countries Estonia and Latvia. These three former Soviet republics are now members of NATO and the European Union and are increasingly concerned about becoming the next target of Russian attacks.
Mertz stated that Germany is determined to defend NATO territory and emphasized that “the safety of our Baltic allies is also our safety.”
He said: “Russia poses a threat to all of us.”
Mertz participated in the ceremony held at the main square in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to officially announce the establishment of a heavy combat unit—the 45th Tank Brigade (also known as the ‘Lithuanian Brigade’). This brigade consists of approximately 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian personnel, and will be gradually deployed over the next few years, expected to reach full operational capability by 2027.
Although Germany has participated in multinational military operations, including those in Afghanistan and Mali, the pacifist tradition rooted in its WWII history means Germany is generally reluctant to take more action. Establishing a permanent brigade overseas is an unprecedented move for the Bundeswehr in the post-war era.
In addition, the German Ministry of Defense noted that an advance team of about 400 Bundeswehr personnel has already arrived in Lithuania.