Netherlands extends NATO troop deployment in Lithuania until 2028

The Netherlands will extend the deployment of its armed forces to NATO's multinational battlegroup in Lithuania until the end of 2028, the Dutch Ministry of Defence said on June 30.

The ministry said the Dutch government had approved the extension of the mission until December 31, 2028, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to the ministry, the multinational battlegroup forms part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence on the alliance's eastern flank.

The government said the continued deployment is intended to strengthen the alliance's territorial defence and support Lithuania and other countries in the region.

Dutch troops have been continuously deployed to the mission since 2017. The latest decision marks the third extension of the country's participation, following previous renewals in 2021 and 2024.

The battlegroup also includes military personnel from Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Germany and the Czech Republic.

By Aghakazim Guliyev