Lithuania’s ambitious military town project near its border with Belarus is making significant strides, with construction set to wrap up ahead of schedule. The RÅ«dninkai military camp, initiated in August 2024, is a crucial component of Vilnius’ overall strategy to enhance its defense capabilities, specifically designed to accommodate a German brigade.
Originally slated for a 36-month timeline, Eika Construction, the local industry partner, is actively working to expedite the construction process. The first phase of the project features around 19 buildings, encompassing essential facilities such as storage units, equipment repair and maintenance bays, administrative offices, a warehouse, gas stations, garages, and guard posts. Following this phase, a second stage will focus on further public services and infrastructure development necessary for the camp’s completion.
Eika Construction Manager Almantas ÄŒebanauskas highlighted the complexity of the design work, which prompted the immediate formation of specialized teams to streamline the process. “We formed three construction crews that carry out individual works in parallel. This year’s mild winter was favorable for us,” ÄŒebanauskas remarked, expressing optimism that good weather would keep the project on track.
This military expansion aligns with a NATO-sanctioned agreement signed by Lithuania and Germany in 2023 aimed at bolstering regional security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. A key aspect of the agreement allows for a phased integration of German brigade soldiers into Lithuania, enabling their arrival without waiting for the project’s full completion.
The Rūdninkai site is expected to house a significant number of troops from Germany’s 45th Armoured Brigade, which includes three maneuver battalions along with various combat support and logistics units. The first waves of troops are anticipated to start arriving between 2025 and 2026, adding to the approximately 500 German soldiers who are already stationed in Lithuania. By 2027, the brigade aims to achieve full operational readiness, consisting of about 5,000 personnel equipped and ready.
Lithuanian Deputy Defence Minister Orijana MaÅ¡alÄ— emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “The relocation of the German brigade to Lithuania for a permanent presence and the creation of infrastructure for it is one of the main priorities of our Government.” MaÅ¡alÄ— also acknowledged the commitment from the construction sector in facilitating a swift establishment of the necessary infrastructure for their German partners.
