Lithuania – 45 Armoured Brigade is activated

The German Army has reached another milestone on the way towards a permanent deployment of 45 Armoured Brigade, a German combat brigade. On 22 May 2025, the people of Vilnius and the members of the new brigade attended its activation ceremony. The Army stands by the side of its Allies, contributing to collective defence in the Baltic region.

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This is the largest contribution of the German Army at NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization’s eastern flank so far. The permanent deployment in the Baltic region of a heavy brigade with combat and support forces is a clear demonstration of strength and leadership in Europe. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, German Chief of Defence General Carsten Breuer as well as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, the new Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Dovilė Šakalienė, and Lithuanian Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras attended the public activation ceremony in Cathedral Square, one of the oldest and most famous squares of Lithuania’s capital of Vilnius.

As part of the ceremony, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, Chief of the German Army, placed 45 Armoured Brigade under the command of 10 Armoured Division. 45 Armoured Brigade forms the core of the Lithuania Brigade. A German and a Lithuanian streamer were added to 45 Armoured Brigade’s colours and it was named “Lithuania”. There is great interest and appreciation among the German and the Lithuanian population. Since the morning, people of all ages had been strolling round Cathedral Square, which is lined by Lithuanian and German combat vehicles.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL ALFONS MAIS, CHIEF OF THE GERMAN ARMY Bundeswehr/Mario Bähr

“We are in the centre of Vilnius, witnessing the activation ceremony of 45 Armoured Brigade. I will hand over the colours to Brigadier General Christoph Huber today. From now on, the Army has a ninth brigade. This is an important step. The German Army is making progress, we are delivering on our pledges. We stand by the Lithuanian people and we will help defend Lithuania.”

Honouring pledges and feeling appreciated

Almost 800 servicemen and servicewomen were in attendance in Cathedral Square, hailing from the Brigade, from deputations, some of which with Lithuanian involvement, as well as the Bundeswehr Ceremonial Band and the honour guard carrying the colours. Everyone was aware of the momentousness of the occasion: For the first time since World War II, a German formation is permanently deployed abroad.

This public activation ceremony gives a special sense of appreciation to the members of the Brigade. “Today, we are a part of Vilnius. We are celebrating together with the people of this city, that feels good and honest”, is how one young sergeant of the new brigade describes his impressions. If they wish, the deployed German personnel can be joined in Lithuania by their families: A small family from Munster in Lower Saxony describes this as new, exciting, and a very good thing. “We are Europeans, and we are glad to do our part.”

The colours of 45 Armoured Brigade flying in Vilnius

To the beat of drums, the colour guards of 45 Armoured Brigade marched toward the centre of the parade grounds. Chief of the Army Mais gave the order to activate 45 Armoured Brigade, placing it under the command of Brigadier General Huber, who accepted the assignment. With the colours unfurled and handed over to the Brigade Commander, the Brigade was officially and publicly activated.

“This is an ongoing process, the Brigade is by no means complete. We are progressing step by step according to a set plan. We are proceeding according to schedule and I see no obstacles at the moment”, Lieutenant General Mais said. At the end of the ceremony, Brigadier General Huber, the entire parade formation and the new colours marched from the Cathedral Square. An open-air concert by German and Lithuanian military musicians rounded off this 22 May, the first day of newly activated 45 Armoured Brigade in Lithuania.

Facts and figures The Brigade currently comprises 400 personnel. It will be built up to a strength of 4,800 service members and 200 civilian Bundeswehr personnel in stages. The main base is at a barracks in Rūdninkai that can accommodate up to 3,000 troops. A medical centre had been activated there on 1 April. Another major base is Rukla, which is scheduled to be the site of the integration of the Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania as the third combat battalion of the Brigade. The cities of Vilnius and Kaunas play a major role in providing accommodation for the troops and their families.