In a significant shift in its post-World War II military policy, Germany has initiated its first permanent foreign military deployment since 1945, stationing a brigade in Lithuania to bolster NATO’s eastern flank.

This deployment, which began in April 2025, marks a historic milestone for Germany, a nation that has historically been cautious about overseas military engagements due to its wartime past.

The German military, or Bundeswehr, has deployed approximately 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff to form a heavy combat unit known as Panzerbrigade 45, headquartered near the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, close to the Belarusian border.

This move is part of NATO’s broader strategy to strengthen its defenses in response to heightened tensions with Russia, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The brigade is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2027, with infrastructure development ongoing to support the permanent presence.

According to a report by The Guardian, this deployment represents a “paradigm shift” for Germany, which has traditionally limited its military activities abroad to temporary missions or training exercises.

The decision to establish a permanent base in Lithuania underscores Germany’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense and its willingness to take on a more assertive role in European security.

The brigade’s presence is intended to deter potential aggression from Russia and reassure NATO allies in the Baltic region, which have expressed concerns about their proximity to Russian territory.

The deployment has been met with mixed reactions. In Lithuania, it has been welcomed as a strong signal of NATO solidarity.

However, in Germany, some critics have raised concerns about the financial and logistical challenges of maintaining a permanent overseas presence, as well as the potential for escalating tensions with Russia.

Supporters argue that the move is a necessary response to the evolving security landscape in Europe.

This historic deployment not only strengthens NATO’s eastern defenses but also signals a new chapter in Germany’s military engagement on the global stage, reflecting a cautious but deliberate step toward greater responsibility in international security.