Germany deploys permanent troops to another country for the first time since World War II

Germany has taken a historic step by permanently deploying troops outside its borders for the first time since World War II. Chancellor Friedrich Merz officially inaugurated a new German military brigade in Lithuania, signaling a major commitment to NATO’s eastern defense amid ongoing concerns about Russian aggression.

Speaking in Vilnius on Thursday, Merz underscored that “the security of our Baltic allies is also our security.” The deployment of the 45 Armored Brigade, expected to be fully operational with 5,000 troops by 2027, marks a deepening of Germany‍‍`s military engagement in the region. Though German forces have been present in Lithuania since 2017, this new permanent stationing represents a more robust and long-term NATO commitment.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda hailed the move as a “historic day” that reflects deep trust and responsibility between the two nations. The brigade will be based in Rukla and Rudninkai, near the borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus.

Germany’s military resurgence comes after years of underinvestment. Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Berlin pledged to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP, fueled by a €100 billion special fund. That fund will run out in 2027, but Merz has promised to provide the Bundeswehr with whatever resources it needs to become Europe’s strongest conventional force.

Host nation Lithuania is going even further. Starting next year, it plans to allocate 5–6% of GDP to defense - the highest commitment among NATO members. This surpasses a 5% goal championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and anticipates a broader NATO plan for 3.5% of GDP on direct defense spending, plus 1.5% on critical infrastructure.

Merz, the first German chancellor to have served in the military, has also launched diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire in Ukraine, affirming Germany’s solidarity with both Ukraine and its NATO partners. His message: Berlin is serious about security - for itself, for its allies, and for Europe.