Lithuania, bordering Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, views the ongoing war in Ukraine as a direct warning and rising threat from Russia over the next 3 to 5 years. Lithuanian Vice-Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa highlights Russia's military buildup and readiness to use force to reshape Europe's security. Lithuania is reinforcing security by hosting an increasing NATO allied presence, notably Germany's planned permanent brigade deployment by 2027 and continuous US troop presence, with contributions from the Netherlands and Norway across land, air, and maritime domains. Additionally, Lithuania is investing billions in national military modernization to establish a fully operational national division by 2030, including major procurements like tanks, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, German and French artillery, and US HIMARS rocket systems. The total defense approach involves societal resilience building with expanding Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union volunteers (up from ~10,000 in 2021 to 18,000 in 2026) and defense education programs emphasizing civil skills such as drone operation. Lithuania spends about 5% of GDP on defense and enjoys broad public support for NATO forces. The government also prioritizes countering hybrid threats like cyberattacks, disinformation, and sabotage, viewing these as ongoing risks from Russia and Belarus. Lithuania is further linked to EU support through substantial funding (e.g., up to €6.3 billion safe loans by 2030) and advocates for regulatory reforms and improved military mobility to maintain deterrence. Lithuania strongly supports Ukraine with military aid and joint defense projects, regarding Ukraine’s resistance as Europe's first defense line. The overarching message is deterrence through constant preparedness and collective action by Europe to counter revisionist powers.

Lithuania, bordering Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, views the ongoing war in Ukraine as a direct warning and rising threat from Russia over the next 3 to 5 years. Lithuanian Vice-Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa highlights Russia's military buildup and readiness to use force to reshape Europe's security. Lithuania is reinforcing security by hosting an increasing NATO allied presence, notably Germany's planned permanent brigade deployment by 2027 and continuous US troop presence, with contributions from the Netherlands and Norway across land, air, and maritime domains. Additionally, Lithuania is investing billions in national military modernization to establish a fully operational national division by 2030, including major procurements like tanks, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, German and French artillery, and US HIMARS rocket systems. The total defense approach involves societal resilience building with expanding Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union volunteers (up from ~10,000 in 2021 to 18,000 in 2026) and defense education programs emphasizing civil skills such as drone operation. Lithuania spends about 5% of GDP on defense and enjoys broad public support for NATO forces. The government also prioritizes countering hybrid threats like cyberattacks, disinformation, and sabotage, viewing these as ongoing risks from Russia and Belarus. Lithuania is further linked to EU support through substantial funding (e.g., up to €6.3 billion safe loans by 2030) and advocates for regulatory reforms and improved military mobility to maintain deterrence. Lithuania strongly supports Ukraine with military aid and joint defense projects, regarding Ukraine’s resistance as Europe's first defense line. The overarching message is deterrence through constant preparedness and collective action by Europe to counter revisionist powers.