Germany has launched its first deployment abroad since World War II. The country's parliament said troops will be sent to eastern Lithuania, which is NATO's eastern flank. The unit is to be fully operational by 2027. It will be the first time German troops have been serving abroad permanently since the Second World War.

Brigadier General Christoph Huber, commander of the brigade, explained: "We have a clear mission. We have to ensure the protection, freedom and security of our Lithuanian allies here on NATO's eastern flank."

Germany did join allied nations by sending troops to Afghanistan, but they were not stationed there on a permanent basis.

Volunteer reservist soldiers shoot Heckler & Koch G36 rifles as they train near the Clausewitz-Kaserne barracks on October 23, 2024 in Nienburg, Germany
Volunteer reservist soldiers shoot Heckler & Koch G36 rifles as they train near the Clausewitz-Kaserne barracks on October 23, 2024 in Nienburg, Germany (
Image:
Getty Images)

The newly created 45th Armored Brigade will contain 5,000 servicemen and women and be stationed in the east of the country. The brigade was activated during a ceremony outside the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. A temporary headquarters has been established, and the unit is under the command of Brigadier General Huber. The official headquarters in Rūdninkai is expected to be up and running by 2027.

The brigade is made up of frontline infantry, and support units - including a medical centre, signal company and command support teams.

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Plans for the deployment were initially reported back in 2023. It was a major break from Germany's defence policy, which has prevented the permanent deployment of troops abroad since the end of WWII.

At present, there are 150 German troops stationed in the country. Before the end of the year, that number is expected to rise to 500. The move is a major change for Germany, getting rid of its global reputation as a military power that's reluctant to get involved in the fray.

Lithuania borders Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, and Belarus, and believes that NATO deployment in the country is essential to keeping it safe and sovereign.

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