Lithuania Is Building A Military Camp For NATO Near The Border With Belarus
- 20.08.2026, 17:54
It is the largest military facility in the country's history.
The Lithuanian government plans to build a new military camp for German soldiers and other NATO troops at the Rudninkai training ground, near the border with Belarus, according to Die Zeit.
The camp is designed to accommodate more than 1,000 military personnel who will participate in exercises in this Baltic country. On a seven-hectare site, residential and utility buildings, the necessary technical infrastructure, and transportation networks will be constructed at a cost of approximately 40 million euros; construction is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2028.
The Lithuanian government’s goal is to create favorable conditions for NATO troops so that they can conduct exercises in the country and, if necessary, be deployed there.
“We are making strategic and comprehensive investments in military infrastructure so that both the German brigade and military personnel from other NATO allies can train effectively in Lithuania and enjoy appropriate living conditions,” said Defense Minister Roberta Kaunas.
The construction of this 190-hectare military facility is the largest military infrastructure project in Lithuanian history.
The Bundeswehr is already forming the 45th Tank Brigade in Lithuania, which will be primarily stationed in Rudninkai. The German government decided to establish it in response to the growing threat from Russia. By 2027, the unit is expected to be fully operational, with 4,800 military personnel and 200 civilian employees, and to assume command of the multinational battle group in Lithuania.
The barracks will be built in a wooded area that was designated as a Lithuanian Army training ground by a special law in May 2022—shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.