Lithuania praised by U.S. officials for defence spending commitment
Lithuania’s decision to allocate 5.38 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defence this year has been highlighted as an example by U.S. representatives, the country’s deputy defence minister said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Miami Security Forum organised by U.S. think tank The Heritage Foundation, Karolis Aleksa told a press release from the Ministry of National Defence that Lithuania had been presented as a model for other states.
“It is encouraging to hear that Lithuania is held up as an example to other countries: this year we are allocating 5.38 per cent of GDP to defence—the highest proportion among NATO members,” he was quoted as saying.
Lithuania’s 2026 defence budget totals about €4.8 billion, or 5.38 per cent of GDP. During his visit Mr Aleksa outlined the policy changes that enabled the budget increase, the goals for developing the armed forces, and the need for transparency, public support and trust in how defence funds are used.
While in the United States, the deputy minister also met officials in Washington, including representatives of the Pentagon, Congress, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and U.S. analytical centres. Discussions focused on regional security, the U.S. military presence in Europe and Lithuania, airspace defence, arms purchases from the U.S., and support for Ukraine.
“U.S. commitments to NATO remain unwavering,” Mr Aleksa said. “This is confirmed by updated U.S. strategic documents and talks with administration officials. The U.S. wants a strong and capable Alliance and welcomes Europe’s belated response to calls for greater responsibility for its own security and defence.”
In the U.S. Department of Defense, he met Daniel Zimmerman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Christopher Bassler, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development. Mr Aleksa emphasised Lithuania’s rising defence spending, the development of a national division, expanded support for U.S. troops stationed in Lithuania, and the need for deeper cooperation to ensure airspace security.
He also stressed that Lithuania’s security begins with Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian occupation forces.