Lithuania Begins Construction of German Military Base

Lithuania has officially begun construction of a military base in Rudninkai, designed to house up to 4,000 German troops by the end of 2027, marking Germany's first permanent military deployment abroad since World War II. This move is a response to heightened security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is part of Germany's commitment to NATO. Lithuanian officials project an investment of over 1 billion euros in this significant construction project, which is seen as a crucial deterrent against potential aggression from Russia. The base will feature storage and maintenance facilities for military equipment and various shooting ranges, but only about 20% of the construction has been contracted, raising concerns about timely completion. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas has assured that remaining contracts will be awarded by the end of this year. This initiative reflects Lithuania's ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and support allied forces stationed within its territory.