Lithuania starts to build 2nd phase of German army brigade site

The second construction phase of the largest military infrastructure project in Lithuanian history started at the future site of the German army brigade in Lithuania with a celebratory commencement on Friday.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius and Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas unveiled a commemorative plaque during a ceremony in Rūdninkai, near the border with Russia-allied Belarus.

Germany was represented by State Secretary at the Defence Ministry Jan Stöß and representatives of the brigade staff stationed in the Baltic NATO partner.

Sinkevičius and Kaunas stressed in their speeches that the work was on schedule. Lithuania, which has signed construction contracts for the second phase worth around €1.3 billion ($1.49 million), is firmly determined to complete it on time. 

Building of brigade and military infrastructure in full swing

The German army is building up Armoured Brigade 45 in Lithuania following a response from the German government to the growing threat from Russia. The project was formally commissioned in spring 2025.

The unit is to be fully operational as a combat formation by 2027 with a total strength of 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian employees. About 2,000 members of the unit are currently stationed in Lithuania, according to Stöß. The first soldiers are to move into the new barracks this autumn, as construction is 10 months ahead of schedule.

Rūdninkai will be the brigade's main base. The barracks will be located in a forest area that was declared a training ground for the Lithuanian army by special law in May 2022 shortly after Russia's attack on Ukraine.