First German Troops Arrive in Lithuania for Permanent Deployment

It’s the first time since World War II that German forces will be based outside the country on a long-term basis.

Lithuanian Chief of Defense Gen. Valdemaras Rupsys (light fatigues), and German Army Chief Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais (left of Gen. Rupsys) pose with German Bundeswehr soldiers of the Headquarters initial command element of the Bundeswehr's 45th Brigade Lithuania at airport in Vilnius, Lithuania, on April 8, 2024. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis

Germany has begun deploying troops in Lithuania—a NATO member—the first time since World War II that German forces will be based long-term outside the country.

On April 8, Germany sent off the first 20 soldiers on a permanent deployment. The two countries signed an agreement in December 2023 to station a German brigade in the Baltic state. At the time, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the deal “historic.”