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Lithuania to strengthen its land forces

Xinhua, May 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

Lithuanian defense ministry revealed on Wednesday details on strengthening its defense capabilities.

According to a statement from the ministry, a new motorized brigade of infantry troops will be established as of 2016. The defense ministry plans an increase in number of professional soldiers in the coming six years as well.

The details have been listed in law proposed by the ministry to the government.

"Changes in the principle structure of the army have been prompted by the changing geopolitical situation, national security threats, renewed conception of Lithuania's armed defense and necessity to strengthen Lithuania's defense capabilities," said Juozas Olekas, defense minister, in the statement.

According to the proposal, the creation of new military units in the land forces is one of the main changes in the army's structure.

According to the ministry's plans, the new motorized military brigade is to be established in western Lithuania.

Olekas emphasizes the structural changes in the army are associated with the plans to increase the number of soldiers.

"The changes are aimed to solve manning problems in Lithuanian army units and reach complete manning by 2021," said the ministry in the statement.

"Therefore, one plans increasing the number of professional soldiers in the coming six years," revealed the defense ministry.

The marginal number of professional troops is expected to increase by 1,250 to 1,300 next year, up to 9,050 - 10,000 soldiers. The total number including volunteers, military conscripts and soldiers from active reserve is expected to reach 17,390 to 20,760.

The ministry plans an increase of professional soldiers up to 14,000 to 19,000 in the coming six years, bringing the total number of soldiers up to 19,690 to 25,570.

The proposed changes will have to be approved by the government, the state defense council and the Lithuanian parliament. Endit