The first phase of infrastructure development of the Rūdninkai military camp for the German brigade is progressing faster than planned. The project contractor, UAB Eika Construction, which began design and construction work last August, expects to complete the project even half a year earlier than planned in the contract.
“The relocation of the German brigade to Lithuania for a permanent presence and the creation of infrastructure for it is one of the main priorities of our Government, to which we pay special attention. It is pleasing to see that the importance of this project is also appreciated by business, which is making every effort to create infrastructure for German partners as soon as possible,” says Orijana Mašalė, Deputy Minister of National Defence, who oversees military infrastructure issues.
Design and construction work at the Rūdninkai Military Range began in August 2024. According to the contract, they should be completed within 36 months, but the company implementing the project hopes to shorten this time by as much as six months.
“Our accumulated experience and team of professionals with the highest competences allow us to carry out the work extremely quickly, without forgetting about quality. The design part was particularly complex, so immediately after signing the contract, we formed a team of designers and engineers, and began analyzing which works we could start immediately. We formed three construction crews, which carry out individual works in parallel,” says Almantas Čebanauskas, the manager of UAB “Eika Construction”.
According to the company’s manager, projects of this scale and complexity always face certain risks: disruptions in the supply of materials, labor shortages, delays from partners or subcontractors, and adverse weather conditions.
“This year’s mild winter was favorable for us. We very much hope that the weather will continue to allow us to continue our pace. So far, we see no signs of danger due to the other risks mentioned above – we are working with reliable partners, pursuing a common goal and doing everything to achieve it as soon as possible,” says A. Čebanauskas.
Having started the project, the company carried out the necessary research, measurements, prepared technological solutions, prepared design proposals and organized the future construction process. In December last year, land leveling and peat replacement works began at the polygon. Since the beginning of the year, the installation of outdoor water supply and sewage has been underway. Although it was planned that the foundations of the administrative building would be started in July, they have already been installed, and the installation of piles for the first dormitory has also begun.
After the first phase is completed, 19 buildings will be erected in the Rūdninkai military town – administrative buildings, military equipment maintenance and storage infrastructure, warehouses, dormitories, a canteen, a gas station-wash, repair shops, garages, guard posts, and parade grounds.
In accordance with the needs agreed with the German Ministry of Defense, the development of the Rūdninkai military campus is taking place in stages. This will allow for the acceptance of some of the German brigade soldiers more quickly, without having to wait for the entire military campus project to be completed.
The Ministry of National Defence has already announced the procurement of infrastructure and public services for the second phase of the Rūdninkai military town. It will be developed through a public-private partnership and divided into three parts, thus reducing the risks borne by the state.
The military camp for the German brigade is the largest military infrastructure project in the history of independent Lithuania. It will become the main place of service for German troops in Lithuania.
The German Army brigade with three maneuver battalions and all necessary combat support and supply units is being gradually transferred to Lithuania. Currently, about 500 soldiers of the brigade are serving in Lithuania. The full capacity of the brigade is planned to be reached in 2027, when 5 thousand German soldiers and civilians will serve in Lithuania. The decision to transfer the German brigade for a permanent presence in Lithuania was made in 2023. This historic decision reflects NATO’s commitment to collective defense and is part of the Alliance’s regional defense plans.