Lithuania Wants To Grow Its Military To Division Level

In May 2023, Lithuania’s leadership approved plans to set up a division - something that LRT points out has never been done in the country. The public broadcaster adds that defence experts say the country’s military resembles a quote-unquote “one-battle army” and will require a lot of work to get up to the division level.
With the continued popularity of my military-focused videos, let’s examine this topic and how Lithuania wants to increase the size of its land forces.
Source material:
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[@matushka__]

I don't see a problem with you covering military content. It's a very interesting topic for both Lithuanian and non-Lithuanian nationals, especially in such a high-tension area as Eastern Europe is right now.

[@roborme696]

Another great video. I fall into the camp of promarily watching videos here to learn of places and life in Lithuania, as my Lithuanian wife and I are planning on moving to Lithuania from Canada when I retire to be close with family. We are closely monitoring how things are playing out in the region and any news of Lithuania increasing defense or NATO increasing its presence does significantly increase our confidence in future stability. So, I'll keep watching both the military and the cultural videos. Thank you for both.

[@user-yh2dj3wb1y]

I would agree with higher taxes. It is totally worth it. Even economy wise, in the long run. Would be nice to see Lithuania developing arms industry.

[@paxundpeace9970]

Not only that but if you spend money on wages for soldiers they do have taxes too and they contribute to local money spend like every other employees.. This is why government spending on welfare (unemployment money) and wages for city or town or community employees is important.

[@eveningabused5123]

Same. I really don't want Repeat of soviets to happened again plus if we do manage to start developing our own stuff we would be able to get them for cheaper since we make them plus we could also sell them increasing our econamy.

[@Jeronimasmuskas]

bot answer

[@aidasmatulaitis5175]

With 2.9 million people with 60% older then 40+

[@aidasmatulaitis5175]

I don't even believe we even have 2.9 mil more like 1.9mil

[@fidenemini111]

I'm ready to pay more taxes. Those who are reluctant to feed their own army end-up feeding the army of their enemy.

[@TonyM540]

Well put.

[@paulg3216]

From what we all have seen in the Russo-Ukrainian war is that what all three Baltic states need to work together towards is building substantial fortifications along their borders with Russia & Belarus & having a much larger conscript-based reserve. This should take priority over having a larger standing army.

[@steppenwolf1872]

They start doing that soon.

[@e_86]

That's what I'm saying

[@Mendogology]

Thanks for the video! It was very interesting. Personally, 50/50 military and non-military content is perfect!

[@eglunasklimavicius9771]

If you not willing to feed your army you will need to feed some intruders army!!! Aciu for video!

[@zacharyfisher8152]

50/50 content is great! Love the military content, it’s what brought me to this channel. I would love to follow a soccer/football club in the country even though I know it’s not as popular there, but might draw more followers in! Keep them coming!

[@AirB-101]

Thank you for your work on the military side of Lithuania. In fact, I just subscribed to your channel after watching a few of your (excellent) videos on the matter because as the conflict in Ukraine goes on, such topics are becoming more important to all of us in Central & Eastern Europe (PL writing here...). Now if your subscribers not interested in military topics find it "too much" (only you will see that based on your channel traffic analyses), you may want to create a separate channel focussed on this. Just a thought. Thanks again and all the best from your Southern neighbour! p.s. Loved the Cappy's input!

[@Scaleyback317]

Enjoyed the mil content.

[@kacanggorengku]

I come to this channel because of it's military news video

[@Trukapu]

I am 50 yo lithuanian and I support the new defense tax schema and even more - I am willing to volunteer in national defense corps of reservists. Luckily our new minister of defense started this activity. In fact, would be good idea if you could enlighten this in your videos! Thanks and let's keep it up!

[@endermarine1686]

can you do a video on lithuania's relationship with estonia

[@LithuaniaExplained]

If there is something particularly special or interesting about it, I would be happy to! I know there is the Baltic connection and a shared history of being occupied by the USSR, but let me know if there is something else that might make it even more interesting for Lithuanians and Estonians to watch 😁

[@arnasLT.]

Interestingly enough there is wide support for tax increase among the general population to provide additional funds to our military. EVEN small and large business owners/union representatives are coming to TV programmes and saying they support increasing taxes to support the Lithuanian military. Yet the politicians, as always, are fighting between themselves and not coming up with the necessary decisions which were needed yesterday.

[@norbertkranz6685]

Litauen ist ein kleines Land mit relativ wenig Bevölkerung, daher ist es sehr wichtig eine möglichst große Armee aufzubauen, denn ihr habt Ruzzland als Nachbarn und die schreckt man nur ab durch ein starkes eigenes Militär !!

[@Trukapu]

Ich stimme zu 100 %. Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung!

[@bofostudio]

It seems to me that a united Baltic Military is a common sense and appropriate way to scale up the defence capacity of all three Baltic States, in a way that would be substantially more cost effective than having three parallel military administrations, three parallel supply chains, etc, not to mention having combined purchasing power. And strategically, the Baltic states are already on the same page.

[@johnhopkins6260]

Consider the analogy of a single arrow vs. a quiver full of arrows; As the French Maquis proved, having competent "locals" on your side is priceless. Having a Division-level force can be of great value, however, do not sacrifice too much to achieve this... you are not alone; for we are Legion.

[@paxundpeace9970]

It is a crucial topic in face of the Ukraine invasion by Russia.

[@kipras4699]

How so

[@David-wp2iw]

the problem with taxes is that taxes are already high, and thats annoying. as far as i remember citizens had control over 2% of their tax contributions and could sign it to anything they want. now these 2% could be taken for military purposes

[@Armored_Ariete]

im like 2% lithuanian keep up the good work

[@joemaloney1019]

Go the Swiss rought and have Reservists with their own small arms and uniforms. Meeting regularly for intigration into the Battalion. Equipment such as planes and tanks dont have to be new just affective. Lots of missiles and ammo. Lots.of drones! Light tanks such as the Germans make would be cheep and effective supporting infantry and scouting. Extrapoints if you can build and assemble your own. The Swedish STRV 103 would make a good cheap inhouse tank to build. And of course the F16, Americans have many in storage and they can be upgraded.

[@wreckingmustang2856]

Point being, the STRV 103 is an outdated design and has no place on the modern battlefield, even as a defensive vehicle, our terrain wouldn't allow us to use it anyways.

[@eveningabused5123]

I really want my country to be able to build our own stuff for military since stuff in other countries cost way too much.

[@joemaloney1019]

@@wreckingmustang2856 The strv 103 can be the basis of a modern tank, the design could be upgraded to use a 120mm main gun. It is simpler to build and use less resourses then lets say a leapord 2. It is not strictly a defensive tank the Swedish tactics were to use well known terrain to advance through hollows and other cover. Although it had no turret its suspension would allow it to rapidly elevate,, depress or train. Because it had no turret it was very hard to hit and relatively cheap to build. Look I think buying Polish/Korean K2 would be the best long term solution but strv 103 mod and German Leapord 2s would be a good stop gap.

[@wreckingmustang2856]

@@joemaloney1019 We are already buying Leopards, likely the 2A7 or 2A8 variants, most STRV 103s are no longer in service anyways. Fitting 120mm cannons in them is likely impossible due to lack of space

[@wreckingmustang2856]

@@joemaloney1019 Not to mention, in Sweden STRVs would have worked due to its terrain, which is not flat and has plenty of cover, unlike our terrain here in Lithuania

[@RusiSlav]

Now we have overlooked the modern military, can we overlook Lithuania's military during the inter wars? (Post WW1) there are notable characters such as Stasys Raštikis, antanas smetona, and other generals, you could also cover the history of Lithuania's navy either modern one or the interwar one and there is a museum about the Lithuanian maritime in which is inside a fort and they taught about the lithuanian navy during interwar and into the WW2.

[@poil8351]

Sensible move really get rid of brigades as the base formation and at least build up division level units or if your country has the manpower even better form a few corps. A lot more flexibility and greater in depth defence capacity. Becuase you can use bridges much effectively if they are part of a larger division and able to operate as a single flexible body.

[@Liukas642]

Thank you for the video! And financially speaking, I think there needs to be a balance between spending for the citizens and military. So far, the two are relatively separate, however with Russian aggression in Ukraine and Georgia before that, more and more Lithuanians started to realize that our Imperialistic neighbour hasnt disappeared anywhere. Personally, I think the best solution is the integration of civil society and military in one way or another. Especially if it is job creation. E.g. the proposed artillery factory in Lithuania could increase both support for military expansion, create jobs and possibly (as we are relatively a small country) attract even more investment and thus create funds for such military projects. Otherwise, people just want to better their lives here. Even though we are doing WAAYYY better than under USSR, its still far from perfect. Especially with local wages and prices. If an economic solution is found, more people will support such expansion. Considering that Europe and EU specifically is trying to move away from US in military terms, I think a perfect opportunity is brewing, Lithuania just has to sieze it. We have smart people, we just need to attract investment and the rest will sort itself out.

[@menone7993]

Sure, Singapore is a must example to follow. Lithuania's neighborhood will never be quiet. We have Kaliningrad (Russia) on one side, Belarus - on the other.

[@TonyM540]

Between a rock and a hard place.

[@modisp]

I think plan to have a division has effect of shaping future military planning. So its always good to have high plan. And I am totally for increased tax for it. But I am really earner in higher bracket so I have a lot of room for more taxes.

[@crabLT]

Investing in domestic arms industry would also help in this regard.

[@SlientChaos]

Honestly, sure. The Baltics are full of grit, but they do need a proper Division.

[@rickcinway2312]

Sure, if I was a Lithuanian citizen, I would be more than willing to pay more taxes for a robust military defence of the country. And if I was a citizen there, I would join their Armed Forces too.

[@thegamerzup8170]

If you were wondering about the tanks they are already in Lithuainia a lot of leopards and abrams were bought and already in training that i'v seen with my own eyes

[@jacobzis4959]

Puikiai

[@wolfgangschrader4645]

A very informative report , it is very sad that in our "modern time" we should need armies to ensure peace !!! However, I think that sadly Lithuania will need a larger Army .

[@ericasevicius8516]

💛💚❤

[@letsplaywar]

I'm American But i don't know if Lithuania has enough money to fight a war with Russia, but NATO will protect Lithuania but Lithuania should prepare for war regardless. I like to watch Attack on titan for Combat Readiness it's a good anime though.

[@jouniosmala9921]

As a Finn I wouldn't pay extra taxes for Lithuanian defense I'd pay extra taxes to equip Finnish army better. With national budget being 88B€ with 3B€ for military equipment and 3B€ for other defense costs, a reasonable goal would be long term 50% increase in budget for military equipment. We would face same enemy and I'd rather see everyone in Europe waking up and building their own forces and being prepared to defend but I'd rather see Finnish taxes going for mass producing some Finnish equipment. I'd rather see a mass production line for 155mm artillery to replace old 122mm soviet guns.

[@menone7993]

And yes, I fully support expansion and modernization of Lithuanian army. Luckily, dark and sad years of 1990's are behind. Economy is growing steadily and investing into a national army is not a waste of money. Soldiers and their families will have a secure financial future. Old and new business will have a secure place to operate, grow and expand. Simple.

[@TonyM540]

Also their wages will be spent in the local economy.

[@tommay6590]

Hm is the Division causing a division? 😂😂😂 sorry couldn’t resist this pun….

[@erikasdarodalykus]

Pulkun bralių

[@tadasvidugiris4685]

You can buy the iron, you wont be able to buy the personel

[@RynaxAlien]

NATO must concentrate military now in Lithuania

[@VitoDepho]

The EU should support Lithuania and the other Baltic states to build up their forces. Better to do it now over the next few to several years in order to deter Russian aggression than to be forced to do it only after Russia makes a move because of perceived weakness in the region.

[@aidasmatulaitis5175]

4% is nothing why not adding 10% taxes for military???? 4% is useless

[@TonyM540]

Yes. NATO suggested 2 of gdp but that was in peace times. Also many countries didn’t spend 2% so there may be some “ catching up “ to do.

[@reaplikacija]

safety is costly and will be costlier with increase of armed forces. in any case that still cheaper than war or rebuilding after war. so even though I am not a fan of increasing taxes, on this very matter I'd rather subscribe to an increased insurance plan than sit idly with fingers crossed an pray for the best

[@yves2932]

Do they need a lot more tanks? The war in ukraine seems to suggest, artillery is much more important. And denying air superiority is important, too. Due to lack of economic power to fund a sizable airforce they will have to use russias strategy and concentrate on air defense.

[@user-tk8tz7xf1q]

The need have 80 000 men and women to be full time

[@gforce0311]

Ukraine suffered from this same mindset, either take it serious now or face the consequences and beg other nations for help.

[@TonyM540]

And that’s not working out well.

[@aureliuss.1961]

Lithuania as a small country should follow Israeli army concepts and tactics..of course...all about the funding and patriotism..Everyone...boys..girls...must join Lithuanian forces straight after school..boys 2 years..girls 1 year...Want to study - no problem. After university can serve 2 years as a enginner or IT person..I see only benefits from that to the country and to the lithuanian people either..

[@guyreurtt3860]

some people in lithuania including myself dont want 1-2 years of their life stripped away for a country that they will most likely leave and never come back to in the coming years. not even my parents want to live in lithuania for the rest of their lives and thats saying something.

[@paxundpeace9970]

They don't have this massiv founds. Will the US or EU spend 2 Billlions each on the Baltic states per year? The issue for those 3 baltic States remains For example Lack of tanks 50 on order will cost them 750 Million Euros alone in investment. Current situation is that armor units by Nato (UK/ Canada Germany and the US and NATO are deployed to those countries). Cost effective solutions might be 50 tanks to field two mixed Battalions plus training units. Other 50 tanks might be part of Nato Battalion Battlegroups.

[@BrianLTU]

​​​Same im not breaking my already deformed spine for 9 months to just leave asa war starts​, call me coward idc. All i care is my family's and friends safety, or at least friends cuz still young, i value my people more than a land, theres a llso nato, poland, anddecent amount of bolunteera to fight soooo...would it be sad that the country gets attacked ? Yes, but family is what i care@@guyreurtt3860

[@ek1582]

It used to be like that in LT

[@tamolamo4698]

@@guyreurtt3860 Well for shmuks like you there should be option to pay back your debt and move wherever you want, society only benefit, But first of cours you must pay back what was spent on you (education, healthcare and other social services)

[@arunask883]

I do not agree about tanks. 60+% of tanks in Ukraine were defeated by drones.

[@DS.J]

Everyone agrees that Lithuania needs to strengthen its military but politicians are dead silent about where the money will come from. Specifically property and pollution tax. Those had to be introduced under the current government and by now its clear that this won't happen. This is one of the biggest failures of the current Lithuanian government (yes, Šimonyte, I'm talking about you). Because, you know, Russia won't be asking "Hello guys, are you spending 4% on defence yet? If no, then we won't try to invade you, thank you very much". Lithuania needs to introduce property and REAL car pollution taxes ASAP, just like the rest of Europe (or most of it anyway) has done ages ago. This is not the time to play populist games and do popular surveys. Lithuania is at the bottom of the pack in the EU when it comes to tax receipts relative to GDP and this problem won't solve itself. I hope the next government will have large enough balls to do that. This one clearly hasn't.

[@laurynasg9932]

Reduce the size of the government, that is the solution to save some money.

[@edvinas6113]

U r in the nineth grase, stupid, or what?

[@Mendogology]

replace it with AI

[@apstuxa]

OK, let's make me a leader, let's say absolute monarchy, but then you do what I say. Pros - you pay me 10% of current Seimas expenditure, cons - you do what I say. We're cool bro?

[@apstuxa]

@@Mendogology AI, created by me is fine?

[@philv2529]

Lithuanian government isn't really that big

[@Teoras]

Cool video. Regarding the taxing, honestly, I don't support it. We already spend too much money on stuff we don't need or could be better used somewhere else. Besides, the army itself is old fashioned in my opinion. If I was conscripted, I'd likely have become homeless because they don't pay you anything resembling a normal wage. Thankfully I didn't fit the bill because of health reasons, but it was a real, real posibility. So until our government starts doing good things for the people, I say **** them and **** the military.

[@apstuxa]

blah, blah, blah, everyone's wrong I would like to help, but I took an arrow to a knee and can't help to defend. Eik nx niekam tikęs šliūcha, kuris kritikuoja kitus, bet nežada prisidėt prie gynybos. Geriau patylėtum ar tiesiog eitum nx

[@Teoras]

@@apstuxa why should I voluntarily ruin my life? there's no logic in your argument other than "BRRRR I'M A PATRIOT, NEED MORE MONEY NEED MORE SOLDIERS" bro i would have been HOMELESS, the army pays what, 1/4th the minimum wage? not everyone starts their life out not paying rent and having no responsabilities. you are extremely narrowminded

[@apstuxa]

@@Teoras you can always be a slave to someone

[@Teoras]

@@apstuxa ??????????????????? are you alright in the head?

[@apstuxa]

@@Teoras are you with your opinion about defence?

[@occasionalquest]

General public said no to additional taxes ... so Brigade Lithuania don`t need unless they consider capture some teritories from Belarus ... Total crazy in 2024 ... but some mad man might in country leadership want something like that dreaming about great Lithuania in former kingdom borders ...

[@GDStudija]

check your facts. And we never invade, we protect ourselves.

[@tomastomastomas1521]

Where did you get such nonsence?

[@occasionalquest]

@@tomastomastomas1521 there is no other explanation if any force introduce tanks ... (Lithuania today do not have tanks) it is attacking one because in defense tanks is not needed ... if NATO follow new doctrine do not allow enter enemy into their territory ... tanks is not needed especially consider that Lithuania will build border defense line as well as their neighbors Latvia, Estonia ... In that case it make sense increase signific all drone numbers and types include FPV, mobile artillery systems ...

[@bigchungus32923]

Some mad man in leadership might want Belarusian territory? You have lost your marbles my guy

[@occasionalquest]

@@bigchungus32923 Tanks is not needed for defense as well whole division ... it is pure attack force ... if politicians increase military assets whom primary purpose is attack while talking about defense ... it means they look to increase territory by force covering preparations by false statements. Any own territory increase will be supported by any population in successful case. Look if Poland/Lithuania/Ukraine increase their territories by military force using Belarus/Russian federation lands there will be no legal consequences for them ... these two countries has no legal de jure governments for the West so taking from them at best UN will announce deepest concerns ...

[@eem8039]

Well , the Russians have some 70000 troops in St Petersburg district alone

[@ITSStupidChannel]

Conscripts? Extended training? And only for men?) And then they asking, why people are leaving the country. Increase military salary and people will go by their own will. Forcing people to serve in army is stupidity. Not motivated soldiers will most likely run away if war will ever happened. Not every man is born to be a soldier, ready to kill and die for it's country. P.S. I have no problem by helping my country any other way, but not by taking a gun and dying on the battlefield.

[@lembitmoislane.]

Finland has had mass conscription since it’s creation and despite now having been in war for 80 years, it’s mass conscription has been popular and there has been no mass leaving over it. Additionally if your going to flee your country over having to do something for the good of society, then there’s something wrong with you. Like with birth rates, everything is cultural willingness. So long as there is a will for a country to exist, people will do their national duty and also have families.

[@lmaciulevicius]

We simply don't have a big enough population to sustain ourselves purely on full-time active duty soldiers. If Russia didn't pose a threat, then we could perhaps do that, but as long as Russia exists, we can't become complacent and expect our allies to do all the work for us.

[@guyreurtt3860]

@@lembitmoislane. there isnt anything wrong with fleeing your country when a war happens. war isnt good for any sort of society the modern world is right now. just because your country has popular mass conscription doesnt mean our country also likes being conscripted. patriotism is a concept built by warring countries and made for warring countries so mass conscription becomes popular and people with entire lives ahead of them can go into the meat grinder we call war. conscription is bad (for the most part). war is bad. peace is good. iceland has been in peace for longer than finland has and iceland doesnt even have an army to deter other countries from invading.

[@Monte80]

Money will never motivate you to die for your country.

[@ITSStupidChannel]

​@@lembitmoislane. I still don't see the point of conscript army in NATO country. Salaries for conscripts are small. Mostly it's a waste of time. If something good for country, means take a gun and be ready to die for this country and kill someone, then no thank you. Not every human is created to be a soldier. I strongly believe, that army should be formed from volunteers, motivated and ready to die and kill for their country, border, flag etc... Not like Russian conscripts, that will surrender as fast as they can and most of them have no motivation. And only wishing to avoid army. I respect people, who are willing to protect their country with a gun and sacrifice their life if needed. But it's stupid to force everyone ells to be ready to do the same. I'm ready to help my country and people in many ways, but not by taking a gun and dying on the front line. Country shouldn't force people to serve, it should motivate people, that haven't decided yet, to choose contract army.