German troops praise rapid progress at Lithuania’s Rūdninkai military base

A delegation of German brigade soldiers has visited the under-construction Rūdninkai military town in Lithuania, commending its rapid infrastructure development ahead of the planned deployment of a German brigade, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence reported on Monday.

The visit, part of a series of tours for troops preparing to serve in Lithuania, showcased living and service conditions at the future base. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas called the Rūdninkai expansion one of Lithuania’s most critical commitments to its allies.

“This is a project for all of Lithuania, demonstrating our strong commitment to both national security and our German partners,” Kaunas said in a ministry statement. “It is essential that both German leadership and the troops themselves see firsthand the excellent service conditions we are creating.”

Alexander Götzas, director general of the German Defence Ministry’s Infrastructure, Environmental Protection, and Services Office, noted dramatic progress since his last visit in October 2024. “This will be our main operational base, and it is truly impressive. Back then, there was almost nothing here—just a few gravel roads. Now, we see completed barracks, rapidly expanding training infrastructure, and enormous strides made in just two years,” Götzas said.

Brigade commander Brigadier General Christoph Huber echoed the sentiment, calling the visit an opportunity to highlight achievements and future plans. “We want to show this live: the living quarters, workspaces, shooting ranges, and training areas. The key message for our troops is how quickly Lithuania is building a modern, advanced, high-standard infrastructure,” Huber said.

He underscored the brigade’s role in NATO deterrence, stating, “We are here to deter any potential aggression against the Alliance. We will ensure every centimetre of NATO territory is defended.”

Germany pledged in summer 2022 to deploy a brigade-sized unit—around 5,000 soldiers and civilians, some with families—to Lithuania. Most of the brigade is expected to relocate by 2026, with full operational capability planned for 2027, according to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.