Lithuanian military chief highlights slow adoption of innovations in European defence

Lithuania’s Chief of Defence, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, has stated that the war in Ukraine has shown that Europe’s biggest defence challenge is not a lack of innovation but the speed at which these innovations are implemented, LRT reports.

Speaking at the WELT Security Summit in Germany, Vaikšnoras emphasised that today’s security environment and technological progress demand faster decision-making and the rapid deployment of new capabilities. He was joined by leaders from politics, militaries, intelligence agencies, and the defence industry to discuss Europe’s key security challenges, defence strengthening, and NATO deterrence measures.

During a pre-conference dinner, Vaikšnoras delivered a speech alongside Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Defence Committee, and Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall. The event also featured Germany’s Chief of Defence, General Carsten Breuer, and other high-ranking security officials.

Vaikšnoras noted that while Lithuania’s military prepares for war, institutions still too often operate with a peacetime mindset. “If testing and deploying new technologies takes a year, we risk equipping ourselves for yesterday’s war, not tomorrow’s. Speed is becoming a combat capability,” he said.

The discussions also focused on Germany’s leadership in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and Europe’s defence capabilities. Participants highlighted Germany’s historic decision to permanently station its 45th Armoured Brigade in Lithuania—the first such deployment abroad in modern German history—as a clear sign of long-term commitment to the security of Lithuania, the region, and the Alliance.