“During my visit to Washington, I received firm and clear confirmation from the US National Security Council and the Pentagon that the US presence in Lithuania is indefinite and the deployment of forces in the region will remain unchanged,” the minister told the BNS news agency.
The United States appreciates the military presence and training conditions in Lithuania, which allow the United States to ensure adequate force readiness for any scenario, he said.
“During the meeting, I clearly confirmed that the US presence in Lithuania is irreplaceable and, together with NATO, the German brigade and national forces, is the necessary combat power that can safely deter Russia,” Kasčuns emphasized.
In October 2022, it was announced that a US Army battalion would be stationed in Lithuania by the end of 2025, after the US approved a plan for a rotational force in the Baltic states.
US battalions have been deployed in Lithuania on a rotational basis since 2019, following the deployment of rotational companies in 2014 to 2017.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States beefed up rotational battalions by sending more troops and equipment.
Kasčuns also revealed that the USA has accelerated the delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Lithuania, stating that they will be delivered this month.
Tags: deployment battalion Lithuania indefinite
