Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas and Colonel Linas Idzelis, commander of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, on Thursday signed an agreement allocating 24.2 million euros to the paramilitary organisation for 2026.
“We continue to consistently strengthen the Riflemen’s Union and our cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union is undoubtedly an important component of Lithuania’s security and defence. We see very clear directions and clear goals. The most important thing is interaction with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, opportunities to work together and, if necessary, to defend Lithuania jointly and collectively,” Kaunas told reporters after signing the agreement.
Idzelis said the organisation’s budget is steadily growing and could reach 30 million euros in the future.
The increased funding will support civil resistance and defence skills courses in schools and companies, purchase drones, ammunition, and laser shooters, and renovate the union’s headquarters.
“The Riflemen’s Union has found its place and is, in practice, joining the system of commandant’s offices. […] Now we can purchase some equipment and hire people because the range of tasks is growing. We can renovate, purchase weapons, ammunition for military training, and participate in exercises with the army,” Idzelis said.
He added, “Military training is being taken very seriously. So this agreement is now an obligation for us, and this year we will definitely carry out many activities, even more than we did before.”
Idzelis said the organisation also plans to increase its membership to 50,000 by 2035. Kaunas noted that while these are ambitious goals, the priority is to strengthen the union consistently and gradually.
The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union is a voluntary paramilitary civic organisation whose stated goals are enhancing national defence capabilities and fostering civic spirit. It currently has about 18,000 members.
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