Lithuanian opposition presents alternative national security strategy

Lithuania’s opposition Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) has unveiled an alternative national security strategy, criticising the defence ministry’s draft for failing to articulate a distinct Lithuanian defence doctrine, *LRT* reports.

Party leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas said the government’s strategy, updated every four years, was overly bureaucratic and lacked a clear vision for national defence. “The main shortcoming is that it does not reveal a Lithuanian defence mindset—a defence school of thought,” he told parliament on Wednesday.

The conservative proposal outlines five strategic priorities: **effective Lithuanian and total defence**, **collective defence and allied support**, **state and societal resilience**, **crisis management continuity**, and **long-term national security foundations**.

Kasčiūnas emphasised that Lithuania must be prepared to defend itself from “the first minute of aggression,” comparing the country’s defence to a “porcupine”—formidable even to a stronger adversary. “The state must be ready to organise its defence on Day X,” he stated.

**Total defence as the core**
Dainius Kreivys, presenting the strategy, defined the first goal as reliable and effective defence rooted in total defence—a unified system integrating the military, state institutions, private and non-governmental sectors, and prepared citizens. “This ensures real deterrence against an adversary,” he argued.

The second priority underscores NATO’s collective defence, calling for deeper allied integration, sustained military presence, joint planning, and practical embedding within Lithuania’s defence framework.

**Resilience beyond military strength**
The third objective targets resilience across non-military domains—information, cyber, infrastructure, health, economics, and energy—to prevent destabilisation. “Security depends not only on military capability but on the ability to withstand pressure in all these areas,” Kreivys said.

The strategy’s fourth pillar demands uninterrupted governance during crises, with a unified command system capable of functioning under extreme pressure. The final goal focuses on long-term security foundations, including demographic vitality, economic strength, and civic will to defend the state.

**Deterrence through concrete measures**
To achieve deterrence, the TS-LKD plan proposes expanding the role of local defence command posts, integrating Riflemen’s Union volunteers into defence planning, accelerating the transition to universal conscription, adopting lessons from Ukrainian instructors, and developing a National Defence Line and “Drone Wall.”

Kreivys stressed that enduring security requires reinforcing its underlying pillars: “The essence is to strengthen the very foundations of national security for the long term.”