The Lithuanian government is planning to improve the military infrastructure of US soldiers stationed in the country.
The project supports the “uninterrupted presence” of Washington’s capabilities in Vilnius as part of Lithuanian-US strategic cooperation in the Baltic region.
Future upgrades to the European state’s infrastructure, not yet specified, are expected to secure affairs with other partner nations in addition to American warfighters.
“You have come in the times of tensions and multiple challenges in our region. We can feel your support and presence and our cooperation has never been closer,” Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas stated.
“Soon, when the military infrastructure is expanded, we look forward to being able to better meet the military readiness needs of the Lithuanian and Allied troops. We will provide better conditions and new infrastructure to the US troops.”
Lithuania’s defense agency wrote that the forthcoming projects will amplify its bilateral relations with the US, enabling Vilnius to continue military capability development while sustaining deterrence across the region.
“It was a pleasure to meet with Minister Anušauskas and reaffirm to him the strength of the US commitment to the transatlantic security and our Ally Lithuania,” US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald said.
“We welcome Lithuania’s investment in Armed Forces modernization and the significant assistance to Ukraine. We also appreciate the Host Nation Support hospitality of Lithuania to the rotational US Army units deployed in the Pabradė Training Area.”
Latest Lithuania-US Military Projects
Lithuania and the US have recently partnered in various projects to strengthen security in the Baltics.
In January, Vilnius received the final batch of its Boxer infantry fighting vehicles procured from Washington in 2016.
The US government approved a separate sale last year to for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Lithuania.
In December 2022, the Lithuanian defense ministry invested 45 million euros ($48.7 million) to obtain Switchblade loitering munitions. The same month, the Baltic state signed a $495-million contract to acquire a fleet of HIMARS from America.
To boost its airborne capabilities, Lithuania also bought four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the US in 2020.