Lithuania has reconstituted the 1st Mechanized Division to enhance its ability to address escalating regional threats.
Originally formed in 1775, the division will comprise air defense, engineering, reconnaissance, and artillery units, supplemented by three reserve brigades.
It will be led by Brigadier General Aurelius Alasauskas.
Once fully operational, the 1st Mechanized Division will be tasked with defending Lithuania’s territory and coordinating with NATO allies on regional security.
“Having a national division will allow the Lithuanian Armed Forces to operate in an integrated manner, have equal maneuvering, fire support, logistics, intelligence, and other capabilities,” the country’s defense ministry stated.
“Lithuania will have to interact with the divisions of NATO countries in carrying out collective defense.”
The division is expected to reach full operational status by 2030.
‘A Qualitative Leap’
The decision to re-establish the division was made in 2023 after evaluating the heightened security risks posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As a NATO member since 2004, Lithuania has supported Ukraine’s defense and is seen as a potential target of Russian aggression.
In January 2024, a leaked German military document suggested that Russia might target a NATO member state if it prevails in Ukraine. While no specific country was named, most of the alliance’s members have significantly increased their defense spending and military capabilities.
“[This] marks a qualitative leap in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We are expanding our deterrence and victory capabilities against the enemy,” Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander General Raimundas Vaikšnoras noted.
“Having taken this step, we will certainly not stop and will continue to expand the Lithuanian Army in order to ensure the security of the Lithuanian state and citizens.”
Lithuania’s 1st Mechanized Division will reportedly be equipped with modern Western weaponry, including PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery, Leopard 2 tanks, and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.