defence

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with President of Poland Andrzej Duda. Poland recently stated that it is ready to host NATO nuclear weapons. The Lithuanian head of state believes that NATO’s decision to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland would contribute to deterrence and reflect European sec...

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas admits that Lithuania may consider how Ukraine could return conscription age men who had left the country amid the largescale invasion by Russia. Lithuania is not yet taking any concrete measures and is observing decisions adopted in Poland.

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas suggests reviewing Lithuania’s defence procurement priorities and acquiring more air defence systems now, whereas the planned tank battalion could be formed in stages by 2035.

President Gitanas Nausėda would support a tax hike in order to increase defence spending provided that taxation would be progressive, says his chief adviser Frederikas Jansonas. He reiterated that the head of state opposes a raise of the value added tax (VAT) as it would disproportionately affect th...

Defence manufacturers can now launch operations in Lithuania in as little as half a year after the Seimas has approved new legal amendments that simplify territorial planning, land procurement, and construction procedures, shortening the setup period from two years to six months, Invest Lithuania sa...

On Monday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis is attending the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. EU foreign and defence ministers will discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, following an informal exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs...

National Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas says he has agreed with Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė on full-scale efforts to bolster border security. The ministers propose giving heavier weapons to border guards and fortifying some sections as soon as possible.

Minister of the Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė says the value added tax (TAX) rate should not be raised in order to increase defence funding.

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė welcomes Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas’ proposal to enhance Lithuania’s air defence capabilities, while at the same time a tank company instead of a tank battalion would be established.

A nighttime curfew will be in place in certain parts of Vilnius on 7-8 May due to a military exercise, city authorities have said.

Chief of Defence General Valdemaras Rupšys said Tuesday the Netherlands plans to deploy its Patriot long-range air defence system in Lithuania for a joint exercise in July.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will arrive in Lithuania in May to visit the first servicemembers of Germany’s Bundeswher stationed in the country, President Gitanas Nausėda announced Tuesday

Polish President Andrzej Duda, who attended the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Vilnius on Thursday, confirmed that Poland would defend Lithuania if the latter were attacked. Discussions had emerged in the public sphere earlier claiming that legal restrictions might prevent Poland’s military assista...

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas on Friday presented the concept of military commandant’s office. This volunteer system would be activated in case of martial law and contribute to Lithuania’s defence.

Minister of National Defence of Lithuania Laurynas Kasčiūnas is paying a visit to Ukraine on Wednesday where he met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas hopes that German armament manufacturer Rheinmetall will open its munitions factory in Lithuania by the end of 2025.

The Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence on Monday elected MP Arvydas Pocius as its new chair. Parliament is yet to approve the appointment.

National Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas on Monday greeted in German the first troops of Germany’s brigade upon arrival in Vilnius. The minister stated he would do anything in his power to make them feel comfortable in Lithuania.

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. The president and the Ukrainian prime minister discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation on the frontline, the need for military and financial support, Ukraine’s reconstruction and joint Lithuan...

The Ministry of National Defence has announced that first soldiers from the German brigade assigned to Lithuania will arrive in Vilnius next week.