US battalion to stay indefinitely in Lithuania, defense minister says

Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciuna announces that the U.S. battalion deployed in Lithuania will stay indefinitely, not until the end of 2025 as planned

Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas, currently visiting the U.S., has received confirmation that the American battalion stationed in Lithuania will remain in the country indefinitely, rather than adhering to the original plan of staying until the end of 2025.

“During my visit to Washington, I received a strong and clear confirmation from the US National Security Council and the Pentagon that the US presence in Lithuania is indefinite and the deployment of forces in the region will remain unchanged,” the minister said on Wednesday.

According to him, the Americans have a strong admiration for the favorable circumstances in Lithuania that facilitate military presence and training. These conditions allow them to ensure that their forces are adequately prepared for any potential situation.

“During the meetings, I sent a clear message that the US presence in Lithuania is indispensable, and together with NATO, the German brigade, and the national forces, it is the necessary combat power that can reliably deter Russia,” emphasized Kasciunas.

The U.S. announced in October 2022 that a U.S. Army battalion would be stationed in Lithuania by the end of 2025, following the approval of a rotational force plan for the Baltic states.

Following the deployment of rotational companies from 2014 to 2017, U.S. battalions have been deploying on a rotational basis in Lithuania since 2019. As a reaction to the Russian incursion into Ukraine, the U.S. bolstered the rotational battalions by deploying additional troops and equipment.

Additionally, Kasciunas stated that the Americans have expedited the delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Lithuania, stating that they will now arrive later this month.

Source: Newsroom