On April 14 Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas paid his first formal visit to the Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum where he met with NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum Commander General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta. Lithuania’s defensive capability-building commitments were assessed as an example of responsible NATO membership at their meeting. Gen L. Miglietta familiarized the Lithuanian guests with the JFC structure, activity commitments and details of defence plans across the area of responsibility.
“Lithuania is an essential Ally in the Baltic Sea region. Its enduring commitment to strengthen defence capabilities is an example of responsible NATO membership. Side by side with the Lithuanian Ally, we will continue to work to ensure that NATO remains active, capable and ready to respond whenever and wherever needed,” noted Gen G. L. Miglietta.
The discussions reflected the strategic situation in the Baltic Sea region and focussed on deepening military cooperation and integration of Lithuania’s new military capabilities in the collective defence of NATO. Harmonization of these capabilities with NATO and integration in joint training was particularly underscored. In the context of the ongoing Russia’s war in Ukraine, Generals also discussed the current security situation in the northern and eastern flanks of the Alliance.
“I am grateful to the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum for your professionalism and dedication to the security and defence of the NATO northern and eastern flanks in the light of the ongoing Russia’s war in Ukraine. Lithuania invests and develops our military capabilities, in particular, in the 1st National Division and its readiness to respond to threats to national security. We make every effort possible as we develop our armed forces to ensure the new capabilities are streamlined with the NATO defence plans,” said Lt Gen R. Baltrėnas.
Establishment of the 1st National Division in January 2025 was a milestone of Lithuania’s military development. The new structure will deepen the integration with NATO forces, strengthen Lithuania’s defensive posture and interoperability with the Allied forces across the region.
Photos: courtesy of the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum
