Germany will send up to 350 additional soldiers to Lithuania to reinforce the NATO battle group there under German command as part of the Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP). Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht announced this today shortly before the end of her first visit to the German Army in Munster.
“These soldiers will be deployed in the next few days, which can happen at very short notice,” said the minister. The additional contingent should be ready for use from February 14th. The army provides 250 of these additional forces. The minister discussed this with both her Lithuanian counterpart and the Federal Chancellor. “We are thereby strengthening our contribution to NATO’s eastern flank,” said Lambrecht. The measure sends a clear signal of unity to the alliance partners.
During the visit, the minister said she also spoke with the Army Inspector General Alfons Mais about how the armed forces could be made more effective. It is important to improve leadership skills, said Lambrecht. “The command systems must be compatible on a multinational basis.” After all, the troops usually operate on a multinational basis. It is essential to make progress in the digitalization of the land forces.
Lars Hoffmann
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