Lithuania moves toward universal conscription but stresses need for quality preparation

Lithuania is progressing toward introducing universal military conscription, though thorough preparation remains essential, defense minister Robertas Kaunas said Wednesday, as reported by LRT.

“We need infrastructure, instructors, sufficient troop capacity, and adequate weaponry to equip and properly train those we call up,” Kaunas told a government meeting. He noted that while the number of conscripts grows annually, the military must maintain training quality amid evolving threats.

“We are moving toward universal conscription at a steady pace, preserving quality and responding to new visible threats,” he added. The effort involves military command centers, riflemen’s associations, and the Lithuanian armed forces to prepare society for potential wartime defense.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė called universal conscription a “future discussion topic,” emphasizing that current priorities lie in foundational readiness. “Given the shifting geopolitical landscape and emerging threats, our focus today is on laying the groundwork before advancing step by step,” she said.

Lithuania has not yet implemented universal conscription. Conscripts currently serve nine months, though this year’s reforms allow shorter terms of three, six, or nine months. The draft applies to 18–22-year-olds post-graduation, with plans to increase annual intake. Some politicians argue this gradual expansion aligns with a transition toward universal service.

Earlier reports indicated Lithuania aims to develop an infantry division by 2030 and prepare for a German brigade deployment within three years. President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that universal conscription is a matter of timing as the national division takes shape.

Kaunas and Ruginienė also addressed NATO’s ongoing review of Baltic defense plans, calling it a routine adaptation to new threats and technologies. The alliance reportedly plans a new command structure to rapidly deploy German and Dutch troops to Latvia and Estonia in a conflict scenario.

“Reviewing capabilities is a normal process,” Kaunas said. “Ensuring Baltic security is NATO’s top priority today, especially given tensions from Russia and Belarus.” Ruginienė added that updating decades-old plans reflects a “progressive step” in modernizing regional defense.

NATO’s current Baltic operations are overseen by a multinational headquarters in Szczecin, Poland. Under proposed changes, Germany would take a lead role in Latvia and Estonia’s defense.