Lithuania completes housing for German brigade at Rūdninkai

Construction of residential blocks for German brigade troops at the Rūdninkai military training ground has been completed, marking a key part of the first phase of the military town project, LRT reported, citing the Ministry of National Defence. The first phase is valued at 127 million euros, including VAT.

A symbolic avenue of oak trees was planted beside the new buildings on Monday. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said infrastructure was being developed to house troops and support their service, training, equipment maintenance and the brigade’s operations in Lithuania.

German Ambassador to Lithuania Cornelius Zimmermann said the military town was being developed at “lightning speed” and would provide the Bundeswehr with modern barracks. He said the project strengthened bilateral ties and NATO security. Kaunas said he expected the entire town to be completed on schedule, by the end of 2027.

The residential blocks will accommodate up to 600 troops. Interior fit-out and the installation of furniture and equipment are continuing, along with work on IT networks and electronic security systems. Once the remaining work and handover procedures are complete, the buildings will be ready for the German brigade.

The first phase includes 18 buildings for different purposes, including administrative facilities, a canteen, equipment maintenance and storage facilities, warehouses, garages and armouries. The second phase will add the remaining infrastructure across 170 hectares, including housing, headquarters and training facilities. The military town as a whole will cover 190 hectares.

The second phase has a total value of 1.33 billion euros, including VAT. The contracts cover 2.5 years of design and construction, followed by 12.5 years of maintenance and services, as well as financing costs. Lithuania plans to host a German brigade by the end of 2027, with about 5,000 German military personnel and civilian staff expected to serve and work in the country.