On February 7 a hand over – take over of contingent and command took place at the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Multinational
Battle Group (eFP BG) in Rukla. The eFP BG command was passed from Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Kirchner to Lieutenant Colonel of the Bundeswehr Marek Krüger. The hand over-take over ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Valdemaras Rupšys, Vice Minister of National Defence Vice Žilvinas Tomkus, Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Brigadier General Artūras Radvilas, service commanders and other guests.
“Over the seven years, the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group has become a fully integrated part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces with a clearly defined role in our national defence. The battalion is equipped with all weaponry systems needed for its defensive tasks. In case of aggression, the Allied troops will defence our country side by side with the Lithuanian military from the very first minute. It is a materialization of the collective defence commitment of the Alliance. It means an act of aggression against Lithuania is immediately is an act of aggression against at least six more NATO Allies and gives a very clear signal of deterrence to the adversary,” noted Chief of Defence.
Lt Col M. Krüger was assigned to take charge of the NATO eFP BG Lithuania from the 104 Tank Battalion of the Bundeswehr. For approx. 6 months he will be leading the approx. 1.600-strong battalion with the Leopard tanks, CV90 and Boxer Infantry Fighting vehicles and the SPGH-M77 Dana self-propelled wheeled artillery systems. The latest rotation is manned by Belgium, Czech Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Germany, the framework nation and the largest contributor.
“The NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group has been contributing critically to our national and regional security for seven years. Lithuania is grateful to the Allies for the decision to deploy forces on the ground: the present of each and every Allied soldier in our territory enhances our defensive capabilities. Deployment of Allied personnel is a clear and tangible proof of the commitment of the NATO Allies to collective defence and deterrence,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus at the event.
The NATO eFP capabilities take part in combat exercises and training events throughout the rotations. The multinational combat unit in Lithuania comprises three companies with heavy equipment, and intelligence company, combat support units and a command element.
Photo credit: SSgt Virginijus Stonys.
