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Part 1/11:
Lithuania's Armed Forces: The Ambitious Path to Modernization
As regional tensions rise, Lithuania’s Armed Forces are undergoing significant modernization and expansion efforts aimed at bolstering its national security. This strategy is fueled by the potential threat of invasion, prompting the country to strive for a more formidable military presence. A major objective in this ongoing initiative is to expand the armed forces to the size of a full division, a goal that reflects both necessity and ambition in the face of evolving security dynamics.
Current Force Structure and Future Goals
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Currently, Lithuania boasts a foundational arsenal suitable for division-level operations, including HIMARS, PzH 2000 howitzers, and Caesar howitzers, as well as infantry fighting vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The urgency of fortifying defense is reflected in plans to expedite the acquisition of weapons aimed at neutralizing high-value targets, alongside enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, supply chain transportation, and protection of Lithuanian forces.
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As it stands, Lithuania currently operates two fully functional brigades and one brigade that exists mainly on paper. Recent governmental announcements indicate a commitment to form a national division that will enhance the Lithuanian Armed Forces' combat capabilities. The newly established division aims to facilitate a more efficient integration of Lithuanian forces with NATO Allies and expedite modernization efforts.
The Minister of National Defense, Linas Linkevičius, articulated that this endeavor is underpinned by two key factors:
- Enhanced Command and Control Mechanisms: Strengthening command structures to support evolving military capabilities in areas such as maneuvering, intelligence, military engineering, logistics, and communications.
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- Division-Level Operations Management: Establishing a management element at the division level to ensure proper interaction and coordination among brigades through systematic training.
Significantly, although there has been a change in government, with a new Minister of National Defense taking over, the intention to increase defense spending remains unchanged. This stability could lead to the further progression of the outlined modernization plan.
Strategic Military Doctrine
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According to military doctrine, a division comprises three fundamental functions: finding the enemy, containing the enemy, and ultimately destroying enemy forces. The future division's headquarters will be based on the existing structures of the land forces and is already involved in planning and executing division-level operations, emphasizing strong integration through NATO exercises.
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The envisioned division will include three brigades: Iron Wolf, Jotva, and a Reserve Brigade, all supported by various units drawn from the Air Force, Special Operations forces, and Logistics Directorate, among others. The structural design of the division will encompass various brigades—heavy, medium, and light—alongside specialized regiments and battalions, including artillery, engineering, air defense, logistics, medical support, military intelligence, and military police.
Capabilities and Equipment Acquisition
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Ensuring comprehensive capabilities is a focus of this modernization effort. The Lithuanian Armed Forces plan to address existing gaps, such as establishing a long-range artillery battalion and an attack helicopter battalion, which will be supported through NATO partnerships. The anticipated division is expected to comprise around 20,000 soldiers from various military branches, including professional service members, conscripts, and reserves.
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For the upcoming military budget year of 2024, a particular emphasis will be placed on acquiring medium-range and mobile short-range air defense systems. Improvement plans include replacing outdated short-range systems and advancing infantry capabilities through the ongoing integration of newly acquired Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles.
A notable addition will be the inclusion of advanced equipment, such as the German-made Leopard 2 tanks and Swedish CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, to further strengthen battalion capabilities.
Strengthening Territorial Defense
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Beyond expanding overall military capacity, Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense seeks to reinforce territorial defense capabilities significantly. Plans involve increasing the number of conscripts while enhancing the training of active reserves. Together with efforts to improve infrastructure and provide advanced equipment, these initiatives aim to ensure the readiness of both Lithuanian and Allied forces for joint training.
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Despite the ambitious roadmap laid out by the armed forces, achieving full operational capacity of the division may necessitate an additional 10 years of consistent defense budget allocations and continued support from NATO allies. Yet, as expressed by Minister Linkevičius, substantial strides have already begun to materialize. The success of these plans ultimately hinges on maintaining sustainable funding that supports long-term objectives.
Conclusion
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Lithuania’s move toward establishing a modernized military division underscores the country’s commitment to fortifying its defenses in a region marked by uncertainty. While the proposed timeline for complete realization stretches to a decade, the foundations for success are already being laid. As the global security landscape continuously evolves, Lithuania’s approach may serve as a model for other countries responding to external threats through military advancement and collective defense strategies. The future will reveal whether these ambitious plans can indeed materialize and whether the necessary financial and strategic support remains steadfast.