Germany deploys troops abroad for the first time since WWII

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made a significant visit to Lithuania to commemorate Germany’s first permanent deployment of troops abroad since the Second World War (WWII).

This deployment marks a pivotal moment in European security policy.

It comes as Merz called on NATO allies to significantly increase their commitment to strengthening Europe’s defenses in the face of growing aggression from Russia.

At the official launch ceremony of Germany’s new armoured brigade, held in Lithuania, Merz and his Defense Minister Boris Pistorius were met by crowds waving Lithuanian, German, and Ukrainian flags.

The 45th tank brigade, a heavy combat unit consisting of 4,800 German soldiers and 200 civilian personnel, was formally introduced.

This brigade is being stationed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s effort to protect its eastern flank and is expected to reach full operational capability by 2027.

The initiative was announced in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Merz declared that defending NATO territory is a shared responsibility, stating, “The security of our Baltic allies is also our security.”

The deployment is historic for the Bundeswehr.

It is supposedly intended to reassure Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, Baltic nations that were once part of the Soviet Union but are now NATO and EU members, of their protection against potential Russian aggression.

Speaking alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Vilnius, Merz condemned Russia’s “aggressive revisionism.”

He also warned that its efforts to redraw European borders pose serious risks to the entire continent, not just Ukraine.

Merz, the first German chancellor with service in the Bundeswehr, reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine.

He further stressed the importance of unity within Europe and transatlantic cooperation with the United States.

Looking ahead to the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, Merz emphasized the need for long-term investments in European defense capabilities.

He called for an expansion of Europe’s defense industry to increase production within Europe, both for domestic needs and to bolster the alliance.

President Nausėda expressed gratitude for Germany’s commitment to Lithuania’s defense.

He highlighted that the new brigade was created at Lithuania’s request.

With a population of 2.9 million, Lithuania shares borders with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, a key ally of Moscow.

Nausėda also reiterated Lithuania’s plan to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by next year to meet new NATO goals.

Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, will aim to hit that same target by 2032.

Merz explained that the German goal would consist of 3.5% of GDP allocated to military procurement.

He also said that 1.5% towards infrastructure critical to defense, such as roads, ports, and bridges.

Merz’s firm stance on military readiness continues the strategic shift known as Zeitenwende (turning point), originally introduced by his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.

Under Scholz, Germany established a €100 billion special fund for defense and met the NATO benchmark of 2% of GDP for military spending.

Merz, however, has pushed further by relaxing the constitutional debt brake to allow even greater defense investments.

In his first major address to parliament, Merz pledged to build Europe’s strongest conventional military after years of neglect, emphasizing that this was fitting for Germany, given its size and economic power.

“Our friends and partners also expect this from us. Indeed, they practically demand it,” he said.

Germany, it should be noted, does not possess its own nuclear arsenal.

Pistorius, continuing in his role as defense minister under Merz, reinforced Germany’s unwavering commitment to NATO.

He stated that Germany would defend every inch of alliance territory.

He described the deployment of the brigade to Lithuania as “a clear signal to any potential adversary.”

Germany’s renewed military commitment also comes amid concerns about NATO’s cohesion.

It is particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s pressure on European nations to increase defense spending.

Trump frequently accused countries like Germany of “freeloading.”

Also he has issued mixed signals about U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO’s collective defense obligations.

Asked about speculation that Trump could pull U.S. troops from Europe, Merz responded that he had “no indication” of such plans.

Germany’s commitment to the Baltic region has not come without difficulties.

One major challenge is attracting enough personnel willing to serve in Lithuania.

To address this, the Bundestag passed new legislation in January aimed at improving service conditions, offering more flexible hours, better pay, and increased overtime.

Ahead of Merz’s visit, Lithuania’s new defense minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, highlighted the seriousness of the Russian threat.

She echoed Pistorius’s assessment that Russia could be capable of attacking a NATO member within five years.

“Every Lithuanian knows: if the Russians come, no one will be spared,” she warned, underlining the urgency of credible deterrence.

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