Summary

Germany has launched its first permanent foreign troop deployment since WWII, stationing a 5,000-strong armored brigade in Lithuania to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Officially activated near Vilnius, the 45th Armored Brigade marks a major shift in German defense policy, long averse to permanent overseas combat troop presence.

The deployment, set to be fully operational by 2027, includes support units and reflects NATO’s deterrence strategy.

Lithuania views it as crucial for national security, while Germany repositions itself as a more assertive military power.