Lithuania plans to strengthen the army with German tanks Leopard, reports the Ministry of Defense of the Baltic Republic.
The relevant agreement during the first official visit to Berlin on Monday, December 16 will be signed by the Minister of Defense of Lithuania Doville Shakalen.
“This is a new important step in modernization of the Lithuanian armed forces and strengthening the national potential of Lithuania, as well as an increase in integration and interaction with the Armed Forces of Germany,” the press service of the Lithuanian defense department notes.
In the course of a visit, Shakalen will meet with the Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and representatives of German security institutions and military departments, as well as the defense industry.
The negotiations will be the issues of placing a German brigade in Lithuania, procurement plans and support of Ukraine.
“We have to discuss the key areas of cooperation, including the placement of the brigade, defense procurement and assistance to Ukraine. Germany remains a strategic ally of Lithuania, and we highly value its leadership in ensuring the security of the region. Our priorities and obligations remain unchanged,” Shakalena said.
According to plans, the first tank company will go to Lithuania by 2029, and a full tank battalion will be formed by 2034, notes LRT.
Lithuania decided to purchase tanks in early 2024 as part of the efforts to create an army division in the country by 2030. At the same time, the purchases will be planned to accelerate the acquisition of air defense systems.