Lithuanian Armed Forces re-establish 1st Division, aiming for Full Operational Capability by 2030

Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė emphasised the importance of the new division in strengthening Lithuania’s defence capabilities. “We are committed to ensuring the security of our nation by achieving full operational capacity for this division by 2030,” she stated, highlighting the need for swift and decisive action in national defence planning.

The division, under the command of Brigadier General Aurelijus Alasauskas, will incorporate several key military units. These include the Lithuanian Land Force Brigades Iron Wolf and Griffin, the Reserve Brigade Aukštaitija, as well as air defence, engineer, reconnaissance, and artillery units. Training for these units is set to begin immediately, laying the groundwork for the division’s future capabilities.

Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras celebrated the inauguration as a milestone in Lithuania’s military history. He remarked, “This re-established division reflects our commitment to expanding deterrence and ensuring the security of Lithuania and its citizens. We will continue developing our Armed Forces to meet modern challenges.”

Once fully operational, the 1st Division will serve as a critical component in NATO’s collective defence framework. Its establishment will enable Lithuania to integrate effectively with Allied divisions and contribute equivalent capabilities, including manoeuvre forces, fire support, logistics, and reconnaissance.

The creation of national divisions was identified as a priority at the NATO Summit in Madrid in 2022 and later approved by Lithuania’s State Defence Council in 2023. The Lithuanian division will feature advanced capabilities such as tanks, wheeled and tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), expanded air defence, and enhanced engineering and artillery resources.

Source: Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence.