Tomas Mikelkevičius begins work as deputy defence minister

Tomas Mikelkevičius has started work as Lithuania’s deputy defence minister, the Defence Ministry (KAM) announced on Tuesday, as reported by LRT.

He will oversee universal defence, civil resistance, mobilisation, crisis management, and civil protection. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said Mikelkevičius’ experience in internal security services and municipal mobilisation roles would help strengthen these areas.

Mikelkevičius, who has over 25 years of experience in public security, recently served as mobilisation coordinator in Plungė District Municipality, where he managed mobilisation preparedness, host nation support, and classified information administration.

He joins two other deputy ministers in Kaunas’ political team—Karolis Aleksa and Bronius Bieliauskas—alongside ministry chancellor Dainius Ivoškis. Earlier this month, former deputy minister Tomas Godliauskas resigned from the post.

Mikelkevičius stated his priorities include improving the mobilisation system, reinforcing civil defence, increasing societal resilience, and expanding cooperation with businesses and NGOs.