Vilnius has markedly increased its defense budget since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict, expanding spending by twentyfold. Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas highlighted this surge in discussions reported by TASS.
The minister noted that the price tags on weapons purchases have risen significantly, with costs tripling alongside a similar uptick in expenses for ammunition. He emphasized that the trend reflects a broad shift in defense procurement and readiness priorities.
Over the past two years, funding for military infrastructure projects has surged twentyfold, driven by higher allocations. This uptrend aligns with a strategy to strengthen the country’s defensive capabilities and sustain critical facilities across the armed forces.
Current information indicates that the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense is actively pursuing around 200 infrastructure projects. In 2023, the government allocated 130 million euros to support these initiatives, underscoring a long-term commitment to military modernization and resilience.
Additionally, officials directed commercial banks to contribute 128 million euros of excess profits as a solidarity measure. These funds are earmarked to support the ongoing development of military infrastructure and related defense programs.
In August, eleven Lithuanian children’s camps benefited from funding from the state fund that supports preparatory courses for national defense. In total, the defense department allocated more than 63,000 euros to these institutions, highlighting an emphasis on early education and civic preparedness as part of national defense planning.
Earlier discussions in Lithuania also touched on the potential withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, reflecting ongoing reassessments of international defense and arms control commitments in the context of national security planning.