Lithuania unveils total defence plan for crises and war

Lithuania has presented its first total defence model and an implementation plan through 2030, proposing clearer responsibilities and annual readiness checks to prepare the country for crises and war, LRT reported. The plan links national decisions with the readiness of municipalities, organisations, businesses and citizens.

The model covers eight areas of capability, connecting military defence and mobilisation with public safety, the continuity of government work, economic and supply resilience, and public involvement. It was developed after examining the experience of other countries and discussing proposed measures in defence planning exercises.

Those exercises highlighted the need for better coordination among government institutions, municipalities, the military, businesses and the public, including advance agreements on who makes decisions, when action is taken and how limited resources are allocated.

“The best way to avoid war is to be prepared for war,” former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip M. Breedlove said at a press conference on Thursday. He said preparation should focus on future wars and that defence involves businesses and civilians as well as soldiers. “When we look at Ukraine, we see that nations are at war. The whole nation is fighting, not just the military. That is why we need to talk about total defence,” he said.

The implementation plan sets out 51 measures under six strategic directions. It proposes clarifying responsibilities and decision-making powers, aligning military and civilian mobilisation needs, and defining when capabilities should be used. It also includes a system for involving citizens, assessments of critical infrastructure and supply dependencies, and an annual independent review of readiness.

Experts identified seven national priorities, including strengthening the public’s will and participation in defending the country through universal conscription; appointing a national body with clear powers to coordinate total defence preparations; and creating a structure to build psychological resilience.

Other priorities include securing long-term funding through a state total defence programme, developing ongoing cooperation among leaders and institutions through national security courses, establishing a unified legal framework for crises and wartime by 2027, and involving businesses in preparedness, continuity, supply and stockpiling plans.

Total Defence association head Tomas Godliauskas said organisations’ plans need to align to strengthen the country’s resilience. He said leaders should understand what their organisations depend on and how their capabilities may be needed in a crisis or war. The plan proposes assigning a responsible party, deadline and resources to every task.