Central Lithuania sees military construction boom as €688 million flows into Rukla, Kaunas and Karmėlava

Central Lithuania is entering a military construction boom, with about €688 million earmarked for projects in Rukla, Kaunas and Karmėlava through 2030. The work follows three priorities: developing Lithuania’s First National Division, strengthening air defense and preparing to host a German brigade.

Nearly €230 million of the planned investment will go toward the national division, while €170 million is allocated to the military town complex in Rukla. The complex, known as the Neris Terraces, is designed for Lithuanian and allied troops. It will include residential and administrative buildings, a cafeteria, medical facilities, sports and training areas, leisure spaces, logistics structures, roads and engineering networks.

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Military infrastructure being developed in the Kaunas region makes a significant contribution to developing the capabilities of the First National Division, strengthens air defense, creates more service positions and provides modern service conditions for Lithuanian soldiers.

The complex has two sections. The permanent logistics support area in the Lower Neris Terrace has already been completed, while construction in the Upper Neris Terrace will continue until 2030. Logistics facilities are also being developed elsewhere in Lithuania for the German brigade, supporting its settlement and full combat readiness.

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This is a direct and multifaceted investment in the combat power of our armed forces.

Rukla will receive facilities for a tank battalion, a communications and information systems battalion, a logistics battalion and other units. Kaunas is developing infrastructure for an engineering regiment and reconnaissance battalion. Karmėlava will host artillery regiment and artillery battalion facilities, as well as air defense infrastructure for airspace monitoring and control bodies, an air defense regiment and an air defense battalion.

Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said the projects would improve the division’s capabilities, strengthen air defense and provide modern conditions for Lithuanian soldiers. He also linked the construction to Lithuania’s obligations as a host nation and said it would create jobs and opportunities for local businesses. Across Lithuania, military infrastructure projects worth about €4 billion are planned over the next four years.

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These investments also promote regional economic growth, job creation and new opportunities for local businesses.