Lithuanian PM urges support for air defence and military training ground as security priorities

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has called on coalition partners not to oppose two key defence initiatives—strengthening air defence and establishing the Kapčiamiesčio military training ground—emphasising that both are critical to national security, LRT reports.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ruginienė dismissed suggestions by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the coalition partner Nemuno aušra, that state funds should prioritise air defence over the Kapčiamiesčio project. “We must invest in both air defence and the training ground,” she stated. “These are two strategically vital measures that cannot be set against each other. The state’s priority is to organise security in a way that ensures all citizens feel safe.”

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed that Lithuania plans to allocate at least €2 billion for air defence by 2030, calling it “one of the priority areas.” He noted that evolving security threats require continuous review of investments, adding that existing training grounds are insufficient for Lithuania’s expanding military—including professional troops, conscripts, and reserves. “We need new spaces for training,” Kaunas said. “These are not just firing ranges but manoeuvre areas and administrative facilities.”

The government approved draft laws for the Kapčiamiesčio and Tauragė training grounds on Wednesday, with Kapčiamiesčio designated for expedited parliamentary review. The 14,600-hectare Kapčiamiesčio site, near the Belarusian border, is considered strategically vital due to its location in the Suwalki Corridor—a vulnerable stretch for both Lithuania and NATO. The Defence Ministry argues the facility would enable rapid reinforcement by allied forces if needed.

Under the proposal, the Kapčiamiesčio ground will be divided into two zones: one for manoeuvres and another for live-fire exercises. Around two-thirds of the area will serve military training functions, including tactical drills and administrative buildings. The plan affects 77 homesteads; owners and businesses will have 60 months to either relocate or sell their property to the state under simplified procedures.