Lithuanian army chief expects division and universal conscription by 2030

Lithuania will be ready for a division and universal conscription by 2030, Army Commander Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras told LRT.

Vaikšnoras said signals from the United States about deploying troops to Lithuania were “quite strong and positive,” but he declined to disclose the possible number of troops or military equipment.

“I know when they could possibly be in Lithuania and that the Americans keep their word,” he said. “There is positive news, but I cannot yet speak publicly because of the agreement with the Americans. When we know the specific dates, times and numbers, it will be announced.”

He said the current process was mainly political, while military officials had already decided where and when the forces should arrive.

Vaikšnoras said Lithuania was viewed positively in Washington because of its investment in infrastructure and its host nation support package, including living conditions, education opportunities and defence spending equivalent to 5.38 percent.

Asked about reports that the United States could soon decide on permanent American bases in Poland, Vaikšnoras said he knew no more than what had been reported in the media.

He said an agreement between Warsaw and Washington could increase the number of forces in the region and strengthen the security of Lithuania and the Baltic states.

Vaikšnoras did not rule out the possibility of a permanent American base in Lithuania, but said it was too early to speculate. The forces could instead be based permanently in Poland and rotate through Lithuania.

He also said the troops could be rotational forces, either rotating every nine months or becoming permanent, like the German brigade that is to be deployed permanently in Lithuania.