Lithuania should have 15,500 professional military service personnel and 50,000 soldiers in the active reserve by 2030, according to a personnel development plan for 2024–2030, drawn up by the Defence Ministry.
“Right now, we plan to add a new infantry division to the basic structure of our Armed Forces. The division-sized military unit will be formed in phases by 2030 through the strengthening of existing military units and establishing new ones,” Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas has said.
In his words, the infantry division with its assigned military units will consist of about 17,500 soldiers. It will be formed from professional troops, as well as conscripts, volunteers, and active reserve personnel.
According to a draft government resolution, the number of conscripts is to be gradually increased from next year, with the aim of recruiting more than 6,000 young people annually for compulsory military service as of 2027.
“The thresholds for the number of conscripts to be called up for compulsory initial military service from 2028 onwards would allow for the transition to universal conscription,” the Defence Ministry said.
According to the bill, from 2030 onwards, 3,900 conscripts are to be called up for nine months of compulsory initial military service, 100 for three months of service after acquiring the professions that are lacking in the Armed Forces, a further 1,000 students would serve in the military for between 160 and 200 days, and 1,350 young people would be enrolled into other training programs approved by the commander-in-chief, with a duration of service ranging from 90 to 120 days.
Also, the number of professional soldiers will gradually increase from 13,500 this year to 15,500 in 2030, while the number of non-permanent soldiers will go up by around 300.
In total, the plan is to increase the number of reserve troops called up for exercises and training per year from 3,810 to 5,900.
The target is to reach 15,500 professional military service personnel and 50,000 active reserve personnel by 2030.
The plan is still subject to the government’s approval.
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