From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base
Lithuanian Armed Forces
Armed forces of Lithuania
Armed forces of Lithuania
| Field | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| name | Lithuanian Armed Forces | |
| native_name | Lietuvos ginkluotosios pajėgos | |
| image | [[File:Brass Insignia of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.svg | 150px]] |
| caption | Insignia of the Lithuanian Armed Forces | |
| image2 | Lithuanian Armed Forces Battle flag (obverse).png | |
| caption2 | Flag of the Lithuanian Armed Forces | |
| founded | 23 November 1918 | |
| (first armed formations ) | ||
| current_form | 25 April 1990 | |
| branches | [File:Insignia of Lithuanian Land Forces.png | |
| [[File:Insignia of Lithuanian Air Force.png | ||
| [[File:Project Insignia of the Lithuanian Naval Force.svg | ||
| [[File:Insignia of Lithuanian SOF.png | ||
| headquarters | [Vilnius | |
| website | ||
| <!-- Leadership --> | commander-in-chief | Flag of the President of Lithuania.svg President Gitanas Nausėda |
| minister | Lithuanian Minister of Defence's flag.svg Robertas Kaunas | |
| minister_title | Minister of National Defence | |
| commander | Flag of the Chief of Defence of Lithuania.jpg General Raimundas Vaikšnoras | |
| commander_title | Chief of Defence | |
| <!-- Manpower --> | age | 18–55 |
| conscription | 9 months | |
| active | 23,000 (2021) | |
| 14,150 paramilitary (2021) | ||
| reserve | Active reserve 28,000, total reserve 104,000 (2021) | |
| deployed | ||
| amount | €4.79 billion | |
| (2026) | ||
| percent_GDP | 5.38% (2026) | |
| foreign_suppliers | Denmark | |
| Finland | ||
| France | ||
| Germany | ||
| Israel | ||
| Norway | ||
| Poland | ||
| Spain | ||
| Sweden | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| United States | ||
| exports | ||
| history | 1918–20 Lithuanian Wars of Independence1944–53 Lithuanian partisans | |
| 1994 Bosnian War | ||
| 2001–2021 War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) | ||
| 2003–2008 Invasion of Iraq | ||
| 2004–Present Kosovo Force | ||
| 2013–2024 EUTM Mali | ||
| 2013–Present Operation Atalanta | ||
| 2014 Operation Sangaris | ||
| 2015–present EU Navfor Med | ||
| 2017–2023 MINUSMA | ||
| ranks | Lithuanian military ranks |
(first armed formations )
War time only:
| commander-in-chief = Flag of the President of Lithuania.svg President Gitanas Nausėda
| commander-in-chief_title =
14,150 paramilitary (2021)
(2026)
Finland
France
Germany
Israel
Norway
Poland
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States
1994 Bosnian War
2001–2021 War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
2003–2008 Invasion of Iraq
2004–Present Kosovo Force
2013–2024 EUTM Mali
2013–Present Operation Atalanta
2014 Operation Sangaris
2015–present EU Navfor Med
2017–2023 MINUSMA
The Lithuanian Armed Forces () are the military of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of the Lithuanian Land Forces, the Lithuanian Navy, the Lithuanian Air Force and the Lithuanian Special Operations Force. In wartime, the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (which is under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior in peacetime) becomes part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The purpose of the Lithuanian Armed Forces are to be the principal deterrent against any security threat to the nation. Lithuania's defence system is based on the concept of "total and unconditional defence" mandated by Lithuania's National Security Strategy. The goal of Lithuania's defence policy is to prepare their society for general defence and to integrate Lithuania into Western security and defence structures. The Ministry of National Defence is responsible for combat forces, search and rescue, and intelligence operations.
Male conscription is in place since 2015, when it was reinstated after being ended in 2008, due to concerns about the geopolitical environment in light of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Female service in Lithuania is currently voluntary, but it has become the subject of growing political and public debate, with defence officials and policymakers advocating a greater role for women in the armed forces and some leaders warning that Lithuania may ultimately need to introduce female or universal conscription in response to long-term security challenges, demographic constraints, and the evolving regional security environment.
In early 2022, Lithuania's defence budget for 2022 was approximately €1.05 billion, but it was increased to €1.5 billion on 17 March 2022. In 2024, the budget was raised to €2.3 billion and is projected to reach 3.03% of GDP.
History
Grand Ducal Lithuanian Army
The Lithuanian military originates in the Grand Ducal Lithuanian Army, active from the 13th century to 1795. It fought many major battles, such as the Battle of Blue Waters (1362/63), Battle of Grunwald (1410), Battle of Orsha (1514) and Battle of Kircholm (1605). After the Union of Lublin in 1569, the Lithuanian Army remained equal to the Polish Crown army in the military of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth until the Third Partition in 1795.
Similarly to other medieval European states, the army was raised by the nobility during the Late Middle Ages. By the 17th century, it was mostly outclassed by professional forces and a standing army was instituted.
13th century
From the 12th century's end and into the 13th century, Lithuania frequently went to war against the western and southwestern Rus' states, Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia and Duchy of Masovia, and also devastated the lands along the Daugava and elsewhere. From the early 1200s, Lithuanians fought against the Swordbrothers, then from 1237 against the Livonian Order, and from the second half of the 13th century's against the State of the Teutonic Order.**** Fighting on Lithuania's northern and western frontiers was unceasing, the Lithuanian state expanded southwards and eastwards in the Late Middle Ages.**** The Lithuanian army was mobile, as it had to fight on many fronts: the State of the Teutonic Order to the west, the Livonian Order to the north, the Golden Horde and its vassal Muscovy to the east, and the Tatar khanates to the south. According to 13th-century sources, Lithuanian soldiers rode horses on military expeditions but fought on foot, arranged in three rows during battles. The best-armed and most experienced fought in the front, while the least experienced and lightly armed were in the last row. Furthermore, the Lithuanians were skilled at fighting using spears, especially on horseback. The earliest written mention of such tactics, from 1208, says that Lithuanians on horses threw spears at their enemies.
- {{cite journal |access-date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205242/https://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/lituanistica/article/download/2124/1015/ |url-status=live
Although the Germans initially had superior weaponry in the 13th century, the Lithuanians won the Battles of Saule (1236), Durbe (1260), Karuse (1270) and the Aizkraukle (1279). However they were less successful against enemy fortifications, especially brick castles. Eventually the front lines stabilised over time, and the one against the Livonian Order more or less followed the modern Latvia–Lithuania border, while the one against the Teutonic Order was close to the Nemunas. |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-12 |archive-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025163121/https://kariuomene.lt/kas-mes-esame/istorija/nuo-seniausiu-laiku-iki-xx-a.-pradzios/23525}} A castle system fortified the Lithuanian side of the border along the river.
14th century
Over the 14th century, the Teutonic and Livonian orders organised raids into Lithuania. Lithuanians reciprocated by raiding their respective territories, but the Lithuanian raids were fewer in number. The Lithuanians won the Battle of Medininkai (1320), but lost the Battle of Strėva (1348). More and more, the Teutonic Order destroyed the Lithuanian castle system along the Nemunas and built their own castles near the Lithuanian ones.**** As the German and Livonian orders were constantly reinforced by Christian European countries, it became increasingly difficult to defend Lithuania solely by military means.**** A new generation of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes, Jogaila and Vytautas the Great, used not only military, but also diplomatic and political means, for example Lithuanian baptism in 1387, to protect Lithuania.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Lithuania, the Golden Horde's army was destroyed in the Battle of Blue Waters (1362–1363). In 1368, 1370, and 1372, the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas led a military expeditions against Muscovy. However, the Battle of the Vorksla River (1399) was a decisive victory for the Golden Horde.
File:Jan Matejko, Bitwa pod Grunwaldem.jpg|Battle of Grunwald (1410) was one of the largest in medieval Europe
15th century
Finally, the German Teutonic Order was crushed in the Battle of Grunwald (1410) (known as Battle of Žalgiris in Lithuanian historiography), which was the largest Middle Age battle in Central and Eastern Europe. In this key battle, the Lithuanian Army was led by Vytautas the Great. Under him, the Lithuanian Army attacked the lands of the Republics of Pskov, in 1426, and Novgorod, in 1428. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania had internal civil wars in the first half of the 15th century. The Lithuania Army engaged in biological warfare already in 1422, when it catapulted manure made from infected victims into an opposing Bohemian town as part of the Hussite Wars. In 1435, Sigismund Kęstutaitis' army defeated the opposing army, which included troops of the Livonian Order, led by Švitrigaila in the Battle of Wiłkomierz.
16th century
This century was marked by war of Lithuania against Muscovy and the Crimean Khanate, against whom they won the Battle of Kletsk in 1506. The strengthening Grand Duchy of Moscow starting in the late 15th century waged unceasing wars over Lithuania's eastern territories. In 1514, during the fourth war, the Lithuanians triumphed over the numerically larger Muscovite army in the famous Battle of Orsha. However, Lithuania lost a part of its eastern lands, most notably the strategically important fortress of Smolensk. Lithuania fought against Muscovy in the Livonian War and won against the Muscovite army, twice its size in the Battle of Ula in 1564. Three years into the Livonian War, the Treaty of Vilnius. made Livonia part of Lithuania in 1561 with the Union of Lublin concluded in 1569. In the late 1570s and early 1580s, the Lithuanian and Polish armies cooperated in Stephen Báthory's incursions into Russia.
File:Autor nieznany (malarz z kręgu Lukasa Cranacha Starszego), Bitwa pod Orszą.jpg|The victory of the Polish-Lithuanian forces over the Grand Duchy of Moscow at the Battle of Orsha in 1514 File:Lithuanian_soldiers_during_the_Battle_of_Žalgiris_reconstruction_3.jpg|Modern reconstruction of the Lithuanian knights from the 14-15th century
17th century
The 17th century was marked by wars against Sweden, the Tsardom of Muscovy and the Ottoman Empire. The Lithuanian army and the Polish army fought against the Ottoman forces notably at both Battles of Khotyn in 1621 and 1673. During the war with Sweden from 1600 to 1629, the Lithuanian army defeated Swedish forces three times their number at the Battle of Kircholm in 1605. However, this war highlighted the Commonwealth's difficulty recruiting and retaining enough troops, better arming its soldiers with firearms and bettering their use. Sweden seized a significant part of Livonia as part of Swedish Livonia. In the first half of the 17th century, Smolensk returned to Lithuania following the Smolensk War.
The Commonwealth's military weakness in the middle and late 17th century was evidenced in the Deluge. In 1655, the much-smaller Lithuanian army could not defend the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius against Muscovite attack. This was the first time that Vilnius was occupied by a foreign state. The Swedish and Muscovite armies occupied large parts of Lithuania. Nevertheless, Lithuania succeeded in holding out and liberated Vilnius, Kaunas, Samogitia and the eastern Voivodeships, except for Smolensk Voivodeship and other parts. Militarily speaking, however, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was weakening.
18th century
During the Great Northern War the Lithuanian Army no longer defended the country and the Lithuanian magnates' private armies supported different sides. Throughout the 18th century, the many nobles confederations sought different political goals. The Bar Confederation (1768–1772), which happened partly in Lithuania, attempted but failed to stem the increasing influence of Imperial Russia and the First partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth followed. In the face of the possible loss of independence, military reforms in the Four Years' Sejm (1788–1792) significantly expanded the Lithuanian army, which reached a strength of 17,500. Attempts to make the Commonwealth's armies equal those of neighbouring absolute monarchies were unsuccessful and the unsuccessful War of 1792 resulted in the Second Partition.
The Polish and Lithuanian armies put up a spirited fight against the Imperial Russian Army and the Prussian Army in the Kościuszko Uprising. In addition to regular forces, many ad hoc units such as the Vilnian National Guard also fought, as well as many irregular units. In the end, the Uprising was defeated and much of the remainder of the Lithuanian Army was lost in the Battle of Praga on 4 November 1794. With the uprising defeated, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland ended with the Third Partition, and their respective armies being disbanded.
Interwar and post-war periods
After Lithuania's restoration on 16 February 1918, the country immediately began creating an army.{{cite web |access-date=2 May 2021 |archive-date=4 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504180953/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-ginkluotosios-pajegos-1918-1940/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2021 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503115335/https://kariuomene.lt/en/who-we-are/history/23563 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 February 2022 |archive-date=4 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204164912/https://modernizmasateiciai.lt/tyrimu-laboratorija/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 January 2022 |archive-date=28 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128102847/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-liaudies-kariuomene/ |url-status=live
File:Tankai_Renault-FT-17.jpg|Lithuanian Renault FT-17 tanks in 1924 File:Lietuvos kariuomene 1938.Army of Lithuania in1938.jpg|Lithuanian Army in 1938 File:ANBO-III 05.jpg|Lithuanian design ANBO III aircraft from 1930s
Restoration and NATO
Following the restoration of independence, the defence forces were formally reestablished on 25 April 1990 with the creation of the Department of National Defence. After the January Events, the Voluntary National Defence Service was formed of lightly armed volunteers. The Lithuanian Armed Forces were officially restored on 19 November 1992. Western European countries, especially Sweden, helped to arm the initial force by selling or donating excess equipment. Lithuania began the modernisation of its military, becoming the first European country to acquire the US-made FGM-148 Javelin systems in 2001 and the FIM-92 Stinger systems in 2002.
Lithuania applied for NATO membership in 1994 and eventually joined the alliance in 2004. It has modernised its armed forces and participated in various international missions including the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan. Conscription ended in September 2008, but was reintroduced in 2015 due to deteriorating geopolitical environment after the Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. NATO also responded by establishing the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in 2017 with a battlegroup in Lithuania which was led by Germany.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine
After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania rapidly increased the defence spending, becoming one of the top spenders by GDP in the NATO military alliance. The following years marked major acquisitions, including M142 HIMARS with the ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, additional NASAMS medium-range air defence systems and artillery ammunition. In 2023, Lithuanian leadership approved the plans to form an army division, based on the three army brigades. As part of the plan, the country also decided to acquire Leopard 2 tanks. In 2023, Germany agreed to deploy a brigade in Lithuania on a permanent basis. The Bundeswehr's 45th Panzer Brigade, consisting of ~5,000 troops, is scheduled to be deployed by 2027. On 28 January 2025, the 1st Division was re-created.
Organization

The President of Lithuania is the commander-in-chief of the Lithuanian Armed Forces according to the Constitution of Lithuania. Ministry of National Defence is directly responsible for the organisation of the defence system. Chief of Defence () is subordinate to the Minister of National Defence. Defence Staff () of the Armed Forces is responsible for the preparation of defence and mobilisation plans.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of the Lithuanian Land Force, Lithuanian Air Force, Lithuanian Navy, Lithuanian Special Operations Force and other units:
Support branches of the Armed Forces:
- [[File:Insignia of TRADOC.png|27x27px]] Training and Doctrine Command;
- [[File:Lithuanian Armed Forces Commandant's Offices Insignia.png|27x27px]] Military Commandant's Offices Command;
- [[File:Insignia of Cyber Defence Command (Lithuania).png|27x27px]] Cyber Defence Command;
- [[File:Insignia of Lithuanian LOGCOM.png|27x27px]] Logistics Command;
- [[File:Insignia of Lithuanian Military Ordinariate.png|27x27px]] Military Ordinariate;
- [[File:Insignia of Lithuanian Military Police.png|27x27px]] Military Police.
Separate units directly subordinated to the Armed Forces Command:
- [[File:Lithuanian Armed Forces Generic Insignia.png|27x27px]] Finance and Accounting Department;
- [[File:Insignia of Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion.png|27x27px]] Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion;
- [[File:Insignia of Lithuanian Armed Forces Orchestra.png|26x26px]] Lithuanian Armed Forces Headquarters Band.
- [[File:Insignia of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Officers Club (Lithuania).svg|27x27px]] Lithuanian Armed Forces Officers Club;
- [[File:LAF Sports Club (LTU CISM delegation) insignia.png|27x27px]] Lithuanian Armed Forces Sports Club (CISM delegation);
- [[File:Insignia of Department of Strategic Communication of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.png|24x24px]] Department of Strategic Communications;
- [[File:Lithuanian Military Aviation Administration insignia.png|24x24px]] Administration of Lithuanian Military Aviation.
Directly subordinated to the Chief of Defence are the Special Operations Force and Military Police. The Reserve Forces are under command of the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces. Lithuanian Riflemen's Union is a paramilitary organization that cooperates with the Armed Forces, but it is not part of them. However, during the state of war, its armed formations fall under the command of the Armed Forces. The same applies to the State Border Guard Service and the Public Security Service.{{cite web |access-date=28 August 2021 |archive-date=28 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828165138/https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.101063/WwBQQILEBH |url-status=live
- {{cite web |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811204248/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/viesojo-saugumo-tarnyba/ |url-status=live
Land Forces
Main article: Lithuanian Land Forces
The core of the Lithuanian Land Forces structure is the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf (MIB "Iron Wolf") consisting of four mechanized infantry battalions and an artillery battalion, supported by the Žemaitija Motorized infantry Brigade, which has three battalions and one artillery battalion as well. The third, Aukštaitija Light Infantry Brigade, is a reserve formation with active training. Its command, signal and logistic units are manned by professional soldiers.
The Volunteer Forces form another brigade-size force, consisting of six territorial units. Other auxiliary units include Juozas Vitkus Engineer Battalion and Juozas Lukša Land Forces Training Center.
The Lithuanian Land forces use equipment compatible with NATO standards. Since 2007, the standard assault rifle is the German Heckler & Koch G36. Units are supplied with modern variants of anti-tank weapons (M72 LAW, Carl Gustaf, AT4, FGM-148 Javelin) as well as man-portable air-defense systems (PZR Grom, RBS-70, FIM-92 Stinger). Modern armoured equipment includes: Oshkosh L-ATV armoured cars, Boxer infantry fighting vehicles (local designation IVF "Vilkas") armed with Spike-LR anti-tank missiles and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. Lithuanian Land forces have carried out major modernization and acquired more new weapons and heavier armour.
Lithuania has been restructuring its armed forces so that one-tenth of the Land Forces could at any given time be deployed for international operations, while half of the Land Forces would be prepared to deploy outside Lithuania's borders. The volunteers have already successfully participated in international operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq.
In May 2023, the State Defence Council approved the plan to form an army division, based on the three army brigades. The 1st Division would have enhanced capabilities, including new tank, reconnaissance, engineering and artillery battalions.
Air Force
Main article: Lithuanian Air Force
The Lithuanian Air Force (LAF) is an integral part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The LAF is formed by professional military servicemen and non-military personnel. Units are located at various bases across Lithuania:
- Kaunas (Headquarters and the Airspace Surveillance and Control Command);
- Karmėlava (Air Space Control Centre);
- Nemirseta (providing basing for sea search and rescue detachment);
- Šiauliai (Zokniai Air Base, Air Force Armament and Equipment Repair Depot);
- Radviliškis (Air Defence Battalion). [[File:Joint Silver Arrow 2023 4.jpg|thumb|Lithuanian Air Force [[Air Defence Battalion (Lithuania)|Air Defence Battalion]] [[NASAMS]] battery during "Joint Silver Arrow 2023" exercise. ]]

The initial formation of the LAF was the 2nd transport squadron with the transfer of 20 An-2 aircraft from civilian to military use, with initial basing at the Barysiai Airport on 27 April 1992. These were joined by four L-39C Albatros aircraft to be used by the 1st fighter (training) squadron. These were in addition to Mil Mi-8 helicopters and a short-range transport aircraft L-410, all of which went through a capital overhaul, upgrade and modernisation in the 2000s.
Following the initial acquisitions, the LAF began its aircraft's modernisation by ordering three C-27J Spartan transporters in 2006. In 2013, three Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopters were acquired from France and, in 2020, Lithuania announced an order or four Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the USA. Simultaneously, new medium-range and long-range radars were acquired for the Airspace Surveillance and Control Command.
Air space is patrolled by jet fighters from other NATO members and they are based in Zokniai Air Base, near the city of Šiauliai (see Baltic Air Policing). The external border of the European Union (with Kaliningrad and Belarus) is patrolled by the Aviation Unit of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service which, since the 2000s, uses helicopters EC-120, EC-135 and EC-145.
Navy
Main article: Lithuanian Navy

Marine fusiliers
From 1 August 2022, in order to eliminate the coastal and port defense gap and perform other functions assigned to the marines, the Naval Forces Port and Coastal Defense Service was established and partially formed by merging the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Divers Team and the Naval Forces Logistics Service Security Company into one structure, which includes two infantry (fusilier) companies. In the process of forming the unit's traditions, the soldiers serving in the unit began to be called marine fusiliers (marine infantry), and the service itself is unofficially called the Fusilier Battalion.
In April 2025, the Navy announced that the marine unit would be officially renamed the General Kazimieras Nestoras Sapiega Fusiliers Battalion and would continue the traditions of the 7th Fusiliers Regiment.
Special Operations Forces
Main article: Lithuanian Special Operations Forces
The Lithuanian Special Operations Forces of Lithuanian Armed Forces have been in operation de facto since 2002 and it were established de jure on 3 April 2008, when amendments of National Defence System organisation and military service law came into force.
The Special Operations Forces are responsible for special reconnaissance, direct actions, and military support. They have also in charge of other tasks, e.g., protection of VIPs in peacetime. They are formed by the Special Purpose Service, Vytautas the Great Jaeger Battalion and Combat Divers Service. The Special Operations Forces organization is flexible, which makes it easy to form squadrons intended for specific operations and missions. The Special Operations Forces can be called upon inside the territory of Lithuania when law enforcement agencies lack or do not have the necessary capabilities to react to terrorist attacks.
The Special Operations Forces Squadron "Aitvaras" was deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. From 2005 to 2006 its squadrons were on standby as part of the NATO Response Force.
International cooperation
Lithuania has been a member of NATO military alliance since 2004. In the European Union, Lithuanian Armed Forces have also taken part in the Nordic Battle Group since 2008. Lithuanian Armed Forces also participate in the Joint Expeditionary Force formed in 2014.
In 2009, to encourage regional cooperation, Lithuania joined the initiative to form the Lithuanian–Polish–Ukrainian Brigade.
NATO membership
Soon after the restoration of independence, Lithuania applied for NATO membership in January 1994. Together with another six Central and Eastern European countries, Lithuania was invited to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the 2002 Prague summit and became a member of the Alliance in March 2004. Lithuania entered NATO on full-fledged rights immediately after the procedures of joining the North Atlantic Treaty were completed and acquired rights to participate in the political decision-making process of the Alliance. Integration into the military structures of NATO became a long-term task of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Mechanised Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" was affiliated to the Danish Division based on agreements signed by Denmark and Lithuania in August 2006. Lithuanian Armed Forces started to boost the Brigade's ability to cooperate with the forces of other NATO members.
NATO operations and deployments in Baltics and Lithuania
Baltic Air Policing was established by NATO allies since Lithuania and the other Baltic states do not have capabilities to secure their airspace. Fighter jets of NATO members are permanently deployed in Zokniai airport near the city Šiauliai to provide cover for the Baltic states airspace. In 2013, NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence was established in Vilnius.
Following the 2016 Warsaw summit, NATO Enhanced Forward Presence was deployed in the Baltic States with the multinational battalion battle group in Lithuania being led by Germany.
Cooperation between the Baltic States
Lithuania also cooperates with the two other Baltic states – Latvia and Estonia in several trilateral Baltic defence co-operation initiatives:
- Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT) – infantry battalion for participation in international peace support operations, headquartered near Riga, Latvia;
- Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON) – naval force with mine countermeasures capabilities, headquartered near Tallinn, Estonia;
- Baltic Air Surveillance Network (BALTNET) – air surveillance information system, headquartered near Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Joint military educational institutions: Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu, Estonia, Baltic Diving Training Centre in Liepāja, Latvia and Baltic Naval Communications Training Centre in Tallinn, Estonia.
- Baltic Defense Line – defensive fortication line along the borders of Baltic countries and Russia/Belarus.
In January 2011, the Baltic states were invited to join Nordic Defence Cooperation, the defence framework of the Nordic countries. In November 2012, the three countries agreed to create a joint military staff in 2013. Future co-operation will include sharing of national infrastructures for training purposes and specialisation of training areas (BALTTRAIN) and collective formation of battalion-sized contingents for use in the NATO rapid-response force.
Foreign missions and operations
Lithuanian soldiers have taken part in international operations since 1993. From the summer of 2005 until 2014, Lithuania has been part of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF), leading a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the town of Chaghcharan in the province of Ghor. The PRT included personnel from Denmark, Iceland and the US. There have also been special operation forces units in Afghanistan. They were placed in Kandahar province.
Since joining international operations in 1993, Lithuania has lost two soldiers. 1st Lt. Normundas Valteris fell in Bosnia (17 April 1996), Sgt. Arūnas Jarmalavičius in Afghanistan (22 May 2008).
Current operations (in 2022)
| Deployment | Organization | Operation | Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central African Republic | EU | EUTM RCA | 2 |
| Iraq | NATO | NATO Mission Iraq | 2 |
| Mali | EU | EUTM Mali | 2 |
| Mali | UN | MINUSMA | 45 |
| Kosovo | NATO | KFOR | 1 |
| Ukraine | JMTG-U | 30 |
List of military equipment
Main article: List of equipment of the Lithuanian Armed Forces
File:G36KA4M1 in the Lithuanian army (with attachments).jpg|Heckler & Koch G36 File:FGM-148 Javelin in Lithuanian service (1).png|FGM-148 Javelin File:IFV Vilkas sideview.jpg|IFV Vilkas File:Lithuanian PzH 2000 (3) (cropped).jpg|PzH 2000 File:LT-JLTVfront.jpg|JLTV File:NASAMS 3 in Lithuanian service.jpg|NASAMS 3 File:Eurocopter AS365+( kf 8984).jpg|Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
Military industry
After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania has sought to develop its military industrial base.
Lithuania has an ammunition producer, AB Giraitė Ammunition Plant (small caliber ammunition).
Lithuania has made a contract with the company Rheinmetall about establishing an artillery ammunition and artillery charge (gunpowder) production plant in Lithuania. The building of the plant started in November 2025. Also a conctract with Northrop Grumman and Nammo for production of medium-calibre (30mm) ammunition in Lithuania has been signed. Also new armored fighting vehicle assembly and maintenance facilities have been set up. Lithuania has also developed its drone industry.
The aircraft company Embraer has also committed to basing some of its technical operations in Lithuania.
Ranks
Main article: Lithuanian military ranks and insignia
Notes
a. The 23,000 is structured like this: 14,500 in the Army, 1,500 in the Air Force, 700 in the Navy, and 6,300 in other units. The other units includes the Logistics Support Command (1,400), Training and Doctrine Command (1,500), the Special Operations Force (unknown) as well as the battalions of HQ and Military Police (2,600).
b. The paramilitary includes 10,600 of the Riflemen's Union and 3,550 of the State Border Guard Service.
c. The number of 1.05 billion is without including military pensions. When the military pensions are included, the military budget reaches 1.12 billion.
References
Bibliography
References
- "The Seimas approves record defence budget of EUR 4.79 billion or 5.38 % of GDP in 2026".
- "Lietuvos Respublikos krašto apsaugos ministerija :: Titulinis".
- (13 June 2025). "Lithuanian defence minister: women must play a greater role in the military".
- (28 April 2025). "Defence chief says no need for drafting women yet".
- (26 February 2025). "War expert: if public attitudes change, mandatory military service for women is realistic.".
- LRT.lt, BNS. (2022-03-17). "Lithuania raises defence spending to 2.52 percent of GDP". [[Lithuanian National Radio and Television.
- "Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės kariuomenė". [[Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija]].
- (2019-10-05). "Handbook on Biological Warfare Preparedness". Academic Press.
- "Lietuvos ginkluotosios pajėgos po nepriklausomybės atkūrimo". Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija.
- "Compulsory basic military service discontinued". Ministry of National Defence.
- "Conscription notices to be sent to 37,000 men in Lithuania".
- (8 July 2024). "NATO's military presence in the east of the Alliance".
- (21 March 2024). "Lithuania pledges to spend at least 3% of GDP on defence".
- (4 May 2023). "Lithuania readies ammunition buys worth $3.4 billion".
- (24 January 2024). "Lithuania to buy German-made Leopard 2 tanks".
- (26 June 2022). "Germany ready to put 4,000 soldiers permanently in Lithuania".
- (8 April 2024). "Germany sends first soldiers for permanent Lithuania force".
- "Lietuvos Respublikos krašto apsaugos sistemos organizavimo ir karo tarnybos įstatymas". Office of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.
- (2 January 2018). "Reorganizuotas Lietuvos kariuomenės Jungtinis štabas tampa Gynybos štabu". Lietuvos kariuomenė.
- Rekvizitai.lt. "Lietuvos kariuomenės Karo komendantūrų valdyba".
- (2025-01-03). "Lithuanian Cyber Defence Command opened".
- Andrukaitytė, Milena. (8 May 2023). "Lithuania's State Defence Council backs proposal to create army division".
- "Lithuanian Armed Forces :: Structure " Air Force". Ministry of National Defence, Republic of Lithuania.
- "Lithuanian Armed Forces :: Structure " Navy". Ministry of National Defence, Republic of Lithuania.
- "Lithuanian Armed Forces :: Structure " Navy " Command". Ministry of National Defence, Republic of Lithuania.
- (2022-11-18). "Kuršių neriją gins fuzilieriai".
- "Facebook".
- "Ministry of National Defence Republic of Lithuania".
- "Lithuanian Armed Forces :: Structure " Special Forces".
- "Ministry of National Defence Republic of Lithuania :: News " News archives " News archive 2009 " News archive (2009–03)".
- (January 2002). "Baltic Defence Co-operation". Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- (21 January 2011). "Nordic Countries Invite Baltics to Join Defence Co-operation Framework". Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- (9 November 2012). "Joint Baltic Military Staff to Be Established". Estonian Public Broadcasting.
- (12 December 2011). "Baltic Defence Ministers announced new defence cooperation initiatives". Ministry of National Defence, Republic of Lithuania.
- "Lithuanian Armed Forces :: Multinational operations " In remembrance". Ministry of National Defence, Republic of Lithuania.
- (August 30, 2024). "Lithuania extends EUR 250 million in soft loans to boost defence industry".
- (January 30, 2024). "Lithuania increases funding for defence innovations".
- (May 7, 2025). "Lithuania launches €300 million ‘Vytis’ initiative to boost defence industry".
- (October 11, 2024). "Lithuania to double production capacity at AB Giraitė Ammunition plant, says finance ministry".
- Jodesz Gavilan. (November 7, 2025). "Rheinmetall Starts Building $346M Artillery Ammunition Plant in Lithuania".
- (November 4, 2025). "Rheinmetall breaks ground on Lithuania artillery plant to boost NATO ammunition supply chain".
- (September 23, 2024). "Lithuania partners with Northrop Grumman to produce medium-calibre ammunition".
- (June 26, 2025). "Lithuania and Northrop Grumman sign agreement to expand ammunition co-production".
- Martin Chomsky. (December 12, 2025). "German tank maker KNDS Deutschland to build Leopard 2A8 assembly plant in Lithuania".
- Martin Chomsky. (2025-12-17). "Lithuania decides to acquire 100 CV90 MkIV vehicles produced by Sweden’s BAE Systems Hägglunds".
- (August 22, 2025). "Lithuania discusses CV90 acquisition and local assembly opportunities with BAE Systems Hägglunds".
- (April 27, 2025). "Lithuania to assemble part of Nordic-Baltic CV90 order, says prime minister".
- (October 8, 2023). "Lithuania opens a service facility for Vilkas vehicles".
- (October 26, 2024). "Lithuanian drone manufacturer RSI Europe delivers first FPV drone kits to Ukrainea".
- (June 18, 2025). "Lithuania selects Embraer C-390 Millennium as future military transport aircraft".
- (August 4, 2025). "Embraer to build long-term industrial partnership with Lithuania following C-390 aircraft selection".
This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.
Ask Mako anything about Lithuanian Armed Forces — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.
Research with MakoFree with your Surf account
Create a free account to save articles, ask Mako questions, and organize your research.
Sign up freeThis content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.
Report