The proposal by Germany to deploy a large brigade to Lithuania faces significant hurdles
A recent move by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to station a robust brigade on Lithuanian soil has drawn skepticism. In coverage by Die Welt, the article by journalist Thorsten Ljunholt raises questions about the feasibility and implications of such a deployment.
The piece points out that creating a new combat unit would bring additional demands in personnel and logistics. Yet Colonel Andre Wüstner commented on the publication, noting that Berlin currently lacks the means to meet those requirements and to sustain a newly formed brigade at the needed level.
At the same time, the author adds that the defense minister suggested building a brigade from the ground up rather than relocating an existing detachment. As Jungholt observes, implementing this plan would require German authorities to acquire tens of thousands of pieces of equipment to equip the new force.
The journalist further notes that several members of parliament questioned Pistorius ideas. In particular, Ingo Goedechens, who oversees the defense budget for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, raised concerns about the plan.
Goedekens said that replacing tanks sent to Ukraine with new ones would be feasible only by 2026, contingent on the state of the defense industrial base. He also highlighted the need for personnel to train and improve their skills, potentially using simulators until hands on experience catches up.
Against this backdrop, he suggested delaying the deployment of any German brigade to Lithuania as a precaution until the situation in the region becomes clearer. He added with irony that otherwise troops might end up with broom handles if proper weapons are not available in time for the mission.
Earlier statements from German officials indicated that preparations were underway for a defensive posture in the region. The coverage implies a broader debate about the readiness, timing, and political risk of such a move, balancing deterrence with practical limits on equipment and training capacity. The discussion reflects wider questions about how European nations coordinate their defense efforts and manage the realities of a modern, high-demand military supply chain. The reporting is attributed to Die Welt and cited journalist Thorsten Ljunholt for their analysis of the plan and the responses from lawmakers. [Die Welt, Thorsten Ljunholt]