The amendments to the law submitted to the Government on Monday also intend to increase the total marginal number of soldiers – from approximately 20.8 thousand. up to 29.3 thousand At that time, the limit number of conscripts would be increased from 4.2 thousand. up to approximately 7 thousand
A new army unit – a division with a tank battalion
The draft amendment to the Law on the Basic Structure of the Army and Limiting Number of Soldiers envisages that the infantry division of the army will be developed by establishing new and strengthening existing military units.
During the development of the infantry division, it is proposed to establish a new military unit – an artillery regiment, and it is intended to reorganize the existing military units – from battalions to regiments. For example, Col. Juozas Vitkaus’ engineering battalion – to Col. Juozos Vitkaus Engineering Regiment, Air Defense Battalion of the Air Force – to the Air Defense Regiment of the Air Force.
It is also planned to reorganize the hussar battalion of King Mindaugas into the tank battalion of King Mindaugas. The Ministry of Defense announces that the weapons systems planned for development have already been ordered.
Among the new units being established are the Naval Port and Coastal Defense Service, the Cyber Defense Board. The Ministry indicates that these military units should be established on the basis of existing ones.
The draft law also provides that in order to increase the combat power and maneuver defense of the Lithuanian army, a tank battalion with Leopard 2 tanks will be created in the division. The State Defense Council (VGT) has also taken decisions regarding the latter.
The limit numbers of soldiers and conscripts are increased
The project of increasing the limit number of soldiers for compulsory military service was also presented to the government. If the Seimas approves the conscription reform, the number of soldiers would be gradually increased and it would come closer to the implementation of the universal conscription model.
In the draft amendment to the law on the basic structure of the army and the limit number of soldiers, it is expected that the total limit number of soldiers will increase from 20,840 to 29,380, and those called to compulsory initial military service – from 4,240 to 7,040.
Changes in the structure of the army, related to the establishment of an infantry division, other military units and changes regarding conscripts, will require additional state budget allocations for the national defense system.
“However, the constant and unabated threat posed by Russia requires an immediate strengthening of defense,” the ministry points out.
ELTA reminds that last May the State Defense Council (VGT) approved the proposal of the Ministry of National Defense (KAM) to form a division-sized military unit in Lithuania.
The division, the basis of which would be the Lithuanian “Iron Wolf”, “Žemaitija” and “Aukštaitija” brigades, was planned to be formed by 2030.
In January of this year, VGT also decided to buy German Leopards for the heavy element of the newly created division, the tank battalion.
However, when representatives of political parties and business were debating about higher allocations for defense, Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas suggested paying more attention to the acquisition of air defense systems. However, even after changing the priorities of military acquisitions and creating a tank battalion in stages – initially creating a company-sized unit – according to the minister, the planned tank battalion could be established by 2035.
Tags: Ministry Defense presented structure army division tank battalion created number conscripts increasing
