Lithuanian PM Demands Clarity on Defense Spending and Acquisition Plans

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė is demanding a clear understanding of the Ministry of National Defense's (KAM) acquisition plans for 2027. She emphasized the need to know precisely what the ministry intends to purchase to ensure the proper reception of a combat brigade, establish air defense capabilities, and achieve full operational capacity for a division.

"I want to clearly understand and know the acquisition plans for 2027, what we plan to do," Šimonytė told reporters at the Presidential Palace. "This is related to our fundamental goals of ensuring the proper reception of the brigade, securing air defense, and achieving the division's full operational capacity. Naturally, my question is: enormous money, 5 billion: what, where, how much are we spending, so that the public knows, so that it is clear to me, and we are better informed and feel safer."

The Ministry of National Defense has been allocated 5.38% of Lithuania's gross domestic product (GDP) for its budget this year, amounting to 4.79 billion euros. These funds are earmarked for critical defense enhancements. Germany confirmed in autumn 2023 its commitment to permanently station a combat-ready brigade in Lithuania, comprising approximately 5,000 German soldiers and civilians, some of whom will relocate with their families. The brigade is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2027, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

Furthermore, Lithuania is actively developing its national defense capabilities. The State Defense Council decided last November that the country must establish an integrated air defense system within three years, incorporating the army, the State Border Guard Service, and the Public Security Service. To achieve its goal of developing a national division by 2030, Lithuania is consistently strengthening not only its combat capabilities but also the underlying logistics, transport, and supply systems.

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I want to clearly understand and know the acquisition plans for 2027, what we plan to do. This is related to our fundamental goals of ensuring the proper reception of the brigade, securing air defense, and achieving the division's full operational capacity. Naturally, my question is: enormous money, 5 billion: what, where, how much are we spending, so that the public knows, so that it is clear to me, and we are better informed and feel safer.