Lithuania expands border defences along Russia, Belarus frontiers

Lithuania has approved plans to expand its defensive infrastructure along its borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus, including the construction of anti-vehicle trenches and additional storage depots for military barriers.

The decision was approved at a government meeting as part of an expansion of the country’s military counter-mobility programme, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

Under the plan, a 20-metre-wide anti-vehicle trench will be constructed from the existing border patrol route toward the interior. In designated operational areas identified by the Lithuanian military command, the defensive zone will extend up to 150 meters, according to the government.

Lithuania estimates that the additional measures will require approximately €50 million in funding between 2026 and 2030.

The government also approved an expansion of its network of counter-mobility depots. The number of planned facilities will increase from 27 to 50.

The depots, being established in areas bordering Russia and Belarus, will store engineering barriers for rapid deployment at designated locations if required. Equipment will include concrete anti-tank obstacles known as “dragon’s teeth,” wire barriers, collapsible spike strips, concrete roadblocks and barbed wire.

By Sabina Mammadli