Lithuania to build fortifications on some parts of the border

21 April, 2024 Lithuanian border guards. Photo credits: Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense is executing comprehensive reinforcement of a number of border sections together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Delfi reported on this. The decision was made following a conversation between Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas and Minister of the Interior Agne Bilotaite. First of all, they discussed comprehensive approaches to strengthening the border and building appropriate fortifications there.

Lithuanian border guards.

Photo credits: Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania

Additionally, a proposal to strengthen the armament of the border guards, namely the transfer of machine guns from the armed forces stockpiles, was considered. "We will draw up a plan to strengthen our border in one place or another and make certain engineering decisions. We will also consider how we can work together to start implementing military standards more intensively in the structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that can deal with hybrid threats.

For example, the structure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will have slightly heavier weapons, starting with machine guns," Kasciunas said. In addition, the Sejm discussed the issue of creating an additional number of firing ranges to enable border guards to conduct more intensive training. "I can't promise that all the shooting ranges will be created, but if we create at least one or two more, I will be very happy," the Defense Minister added.

Lithuanian border guards.

Photo credits: Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania

It should be noted that strengthening the border should provide protection against saboteurs and protect critical infrastructure. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania has been strengthening its armed forces as part of its defense against a potential Russian invasion. Militarnyi previously reported that two military camps were opened in Lithuania in a few days to strengthen the country's security.

The military camps were designed and built with all the necessary infrastructure for a battalion unit, which is purposefully adapted to the modern needs of the army.