Lithuania’s government on Wednesday approved a bill for a military training ground in Kopciów, close to the Polish border, to bolster NATO’s eastern flank.
Military Training Area Approved
The Lithuanian government approved a draft law on Wednesday to establish a military training area in Kopciów, located directly on the border with Poland. Final approval rests with the Lithuanian parliament.
Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas emphasized the investment’s crucial role in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in the Suwałki Gap region.
Rationale for the Investment
Kaunas stated that the threat posed by Russia to Europe and the need to ensure the readiness of Lithuanian armed forces necessitate fundamental actions to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
Scale and Scope of the Training Area
The proposed Kopciów training area will cover approximately 14,400 hectares. It will host military exercises and training involving up to 3,500-4,000 soldiers, equivalent to a brigade.
Larger exercises are planned up to five times a year, lasting up to 10 days, with smaller-scale exercises occurring regularly.
Joint Exercises with Poland
Lithuanian authorities anticipate that the facility will also be used for joint exercises with Polish soldiers.
Legislative Process
The Lithuanian Sejm (parliament) will make the final decision on the training area. The Ministry of Defense will request expedited consideration of the bill.
