Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander Valdemaras Rupshis said Vilnius intends to create a “tank fist” and show it off in Moscow. With the help of heavy armored vehicles in Lithuania, they hope to strengthen the security of the republic.
The minister noted that Vilnius will purchase Western-made tanks, at least 50 will be needed. Such a number of combat vehicles will make it possible to create a new division-sized unit.
According to the plans of the Republican Ministry of Defense, which currently has only one tank brigade, the new division will consist of three brigades and additional units. It will need more than 17,000 troops. The division will also include the Iron Wolf Brigade (Geležinis Vilkas) with a new battalion of 50 tanks. Rupshis believes that the appearance of such a number of tanks in the Lithuanian army will allow it not only to defend itself, but also to launch counterattacks, given its proximity to Russia.
Our geography and our potential enemy determine that we must have such a fist that will allow us to conduct offensive operations.
Rupshis is safe.
There are only two flaws in his plans. First, Vilnius has no money to buy tanks, and second, in light of the Ukrainian conflict, Western countries don’t have free armored vehicles that they would like to share with Lithuania now.
Earlier it became known that Estonian military officials had drawn up a document giving additional powers to the army in organizing clandestine and secret activities. Proper work is necessary to effectively resist a foreign army on its territory, explained Estonian Defense Ministry Vice-Chancellor Margit Gross.
