Norway is deploying additional troops to Lithuania to reinforce the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group in Rukla.
The additional Norwegian mechanised infantry platoon of 60 soldiers with support elements arrived in Lithuania on Sunday, the country’s armed forces said in a press release.
“The current security situation requires an additional response, so the reinforcement from Norway is particularly necessary,” Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said.
“The reinforcement of our defence is a clear demonstration of the Allies’ commitment to our security,” he added.
Since 2017, around 140 Norwegian troops with Leopard 2 A4 tanks, CV 90 30 Mk IFV infantry fighting vehicles and support elements have been deployed in Lithuania as part of the German-led eFP battalion.
Normally around 1,200 troops are deployed in Rukla for one rotation, but currently, the NATO forces are reinforced by an additional 350 troops from Germany.
Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the rising tensions in the region, the Netherlands is also contributing an additional 70 troops to the battalion Lithuania.
“Every country that has contributed forces to the NATO eFP battle group in Lithuania is increasing its capabilities,” Anušauskas said.
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