As the war in Ukraine continues nearby, Lithuania is significantly increasing its focus on national defense, pledging to raise defense spending to 5.4% of GDP by 2026 — one of the highest levels in NATO. Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Kęstutis Budrys said the move is aimed at ensuring the country can defend its territory long enough for allied support in the event of a Russian threat, according to Tabitha Reeves of the National Defense. The top priorities include strengthening land forces, enhancing counter-drone and minefield capabilities, and reinforcing regional defense cooperation. Lithuania’s strategy aligns with NATO’s goal for members to reach 5% defense spending by 2035 and with the EU’s “Rearm Europe Plan.” Budrys emphasized the critical role of U.S. partnership, noting that about 20% of Lithuania’s defense procurement goes to American systems such as drones, helicopters, and long-range weapons. Reeves writes:

The war in Ukraine continues to unfold not far from Lithuania’s borders, and the Baltic nation and NATO member is increasing its focus on national security, with its no. 1 priority to strengthen its land forces to protect itself from Russia, a Lithuanian official said Nov. 10.

The nation’s recent decision to boost its defense spending to 5.4 percent of gross domestic product in 2026 was directly based on analyzing the capabilities needed to remain free from adversary occupation, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys said in a discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute. […]

Lithuania’s 5.4 percent is the number officials came up with when faced with the question, “What do we need to be defendable?” Budrys said.

First on Lithuania’s list of spending priorities is land forces, which — bolstered by American and German troops stationed in the country — would be the preliminary line of defense against Russia in any direction, Budrys said. […]

Additionally, about 20 percent of Lithuania’s total procurement expenditure goes to the U.S. defense industry, Budrys added. He listed helicopters, long-range fires, drones and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles as some of the defense systems Lithuania acquires from U.S. companies. […]

“The world has changed a lot,” he added, “and Lithuania — together with the United States — continues to ride the roller coaster of international affairs.”

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