Defense minister to visit military base under construction in Silale district

Friday's trip marks the start of the minister's annual visits to the Lithuanian Armed Forces' military units, the Defense Ministry has told BNS.

"This year, Anusauskas is starting his visits with the Lithuanian Grand Duke Kestutis Motorized Infantry Battalion in the district of Taurage and the Brigadier General Motiejus Peciulionis Artillery Battalion in the district of Silale," it said.

The minister will meet with the battalions' commanders to discuss plans and key problems, and will be shown the infrastructure of the new military base.

The new complex is being built next to modular barracks that have housed the Brigadier General Motiejus Peciulionis Artillery Battalion of the Griffin Motorized Infantry Brigade since 2017.

The battalion-sized complex in the small town of Pajuris will cover an area of 9.47 hectares.

Administrative and special-purpose buildings, such as barracks, canteens, headquarters, and medical, sports and technical facilities, will be built next to the modular camp.

Lithuania's Chief of Defense Valdemaras Rupsys has said that the Pajuris complex will have the capacity to permanently house around 800 troops.

Lithuania is also building new military bases in Rokantiskes, close to Vilnius, and in Siauliai.

The three new military sites, scheduled to be completed in late 2023 to early 2024, will accommodate up to 2,500 military personnel and civilian employees of the national defense system.