The Logistical Support Command of the Lithuanian Armed Forces starts 2024 with continued commitment to the Allies and delivering on one of the central missions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces logistical capabilities: Host Nation Support. Members of the rotational U.S. force in Lithuania have been maintaining their equipment in the most updated and advanced technical facility of the Lithuanian Armed Forces at Rukla. Abrams tanks and service specialists of the U.S. Armed Forces arrived at the Lithuanian Armed Forces Deport Service maintenance facility in the earliest days of this year. Lithuanian and Americans will collaborate to ensure maintenance of one of the heaviest types of tanks in the U.S. Armed Forces that weigh over 61 tons.
The most elaborate Lithuanian military maintenance facility has been equipped with cutting-edge systems to ensure fast and high-quality repair. For instance, an overhead crane installed in the facility is especially helpful with the heavy equipment servicing. That is a capability the U.S. Allies did not have access to in the deployment area in Pabrad?. The facility is yet another element strengthening the technical basis capability at the Lithuanian Armed Forces. It not only enhances technical support to the Allies but also maintains the partnership. It is notable that the Lithuanian Armed Forces not only develops the vehicle fleet but also does not fall behind with maintenance infrastructure development to ensure service for both Lithuanian Armed Forces and Allied equipment.
Lithuania’s contributions to international and NATO operations began in 1994, but the country did not become a member until 2004. Taking the mission of leading the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Ghowr province of Afghanistan since 2005, Lithuania continues to execute this mission with Croatia, Denmark, Georgia, and Ukraine. The Government of Lithuanian recently approved the strategy that will guarantee the country’s continued support to Afghanistan until 2013, by maintaining the current level of military contribution and enhancing civilian efforts. Lithuanian armed forces are responsible for air policing, providing the necessary host nation support for NATO allies in the Baltics.
The Lithuania multinational battalion battle group is under the command of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf of the Lithuanian Land Forces and based in Rukla. The battalion has a headquarters company, three to four combat companies and various support units. The battle group is led by Germany. Each rotation lasts six months. Additionally since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine the German Army has stationed rotational forces under National Command in Lithuania. In December German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius and Lithaunian Minister of Defence. Additionally since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine the German Army has expanded its forces in Lithuania. In December 2023 German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius and Lithaunian Minister of Defence Arvydas Anušauskas agreed on plans to permanently station a full German Brigade in Lithuania beginning in 2025.
