Šiauliai air base expansion will accommodate up to 750 NATO troops

Expansion of the Lithuanian Air Force base in Šiauliai will allow it to host 500 to 750 NATO troops on a rotational basis, the Defence Ministry said on Monday, LRT reported.

The ministry estimates that a mission involving 500 troops could generate about 65.5 million euros in economic activity for Lithuania each year. The estimated annual impact of the current rotation of 200 NATO troops is about 24.6 million euros.

The ministry says each NATO troop stationed in Lithuania spends about 2,000 to 2,300 euros a month. More than half goes on accommodation and food, with the rest spent on transport, fuel, leisure and other services. Much of the money goes to Lithuanian businesses and service providers.

Based on preliminary estimates, every five to 10 NATO troops at the base could support one or two additional jobs providing services to the forces, including accommodation, food and transport.

The Defence Ministry plans to adapt the base to receive fifth-generation fighter jets by the second half of 2028, BNS reported. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said suitable infrastructure was needed to host allies and support their operations, strengthening Lithuania’s defence and benefiting the economy.

NATO’s Baltic air policing mission operates from Lithuania and Estonia.