Lithuania Strengthens Border with Kaliningrad Using New Anti-Tank Barriers
10 October, 2024 Testing of anti-tank obstacles. Source: Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense. Lithuania is testing iron anti-tank barriers that will be used alongside the "dragon's teeth" on the border with Russia.
The video of these anti-tank obstacles was published by the press service of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense. The barriers were tested using an armored repair and recovery vehicle, Bergepanzer 2. "It has been proven that these barriers effectively block heavy vehicles, significantly slowing down any advance," stated the Defense Ministry in its press release.
Lithuania is testing iron anti-tank obstacles that will soon reinforce the dragon's teeth, fortifying bridges on the Kaliningrad route.
These barriers are proven to effectively block heavy vehicles, significantly slowing any advance. If needed, firepower will be ready to support. pic.twitter.com/tBKhb1wLWD -- Lithuanian MOD ?? (@Lithuanian_MoD) October 10, 2024
It is reported that new barriers will be installed on routes from the Kaliningrad oblast of the Russian Federation.
In early September, Militarnyi reported on Lithuania's installation of defensive structures on the border with Kaliningrad. According to the Ministry of National Defense, this measure aims to enhance the country's defenses against potential Russian sabotage activities and to delay enemy forces in the event of a full-scale offensive.
A fortified part of the border with the Kaliningrad region of Russia. Photo credits: Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense.
The strengthening of the border with Russia is part of Lithuania's state program to enhance its defense capabilities.
This year, less than EUR3 million was allocated from the budget of the Ministry of National Defense to implement the measures. Starting in 2025, the Lithuanian Defense Fund will be used for these measures. It was also reported that in the near future, reserve barriers are planned to be installed on Lithuanian national roads and on the approaches to bridges.
In July, Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasciunas announced the opening of the first section of barriers in the area bordering Belarus. According to him, there will be 27 such sections. He also noted that "they will be constructed almost every week."
These sections will be equipped with various types of barriers, including 'dragon's teeth', anti-tank 'hedgehogs', and other concrete barriers that will make it impossible to move vehicles if necessary.
European line of defense
Recently, Militarnyi reported that Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia called on the European Union to build a defense line along the border with Russia and Belarus.
Some EU diplomats estimate the cost of constructing such a defense line along the EU border with Russia and Belarus at about EUR2.5 billion.
Lithuanian border guards.
Photo credits: Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania
The planning and construction of a defense line on the EU's eastern border should be carried out in coordination with NATO and its military requirements.