By Russian President
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Lithuania鈥檚 Ministry
of National Defence announced on July 1 the start of construction
planning for standardized military base complexes to serve the
needs of the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces (KASP) in
Vilnius, Ukmerg臈, Pasvalys, and Kelm臈, Trend reports.
The first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed in
Vilnius by early 2027. Each facility will serve as a multi-purpose
complex, including a headquarters, barracks, administrative
offices, locker rooms, and storage areas.
鈥淜ASP is an integral part of Lithuania鈥檚 defense system, and
volunteer soldiers must be provided with modern, service-ready
conditions,鈥 said Deputy Minister of Defence Orijana Ma拧al臈, who
oversees infrastructure projects. 鈥淲e are developing a unified
network of standardized bases that will significantly enhance
KASP鈥檚 capabilities nationwide. A catalog of design solutions will
ensure consistent quality and efficient resource use for future
developments.鈥
The Ministry plans to launch a public procurement tender for
construction in Vilnius during the third quarter of this year. All
buildings will meet A++ energy efficiency standards and follow a
consistent layout. In addition to military and administrative
facilities, the complexes will include fitness and recreation
areas, modern workspaces, and parking.
The new bases will be used by the 8th Territorial Unit of the
Great Battle District in Vilnius and Ukmerg臈, the 5th Territorial
Unit of the Vy膷iai District in Pasvalys, and the 6th Territorial
Unit of the Resurrection District in Kelm臈. Design planning for the
Pasvalys, Kelm臈, and Ukmerg臈 projects is expected to be completed
by mid-2026.
The Vilnius site will also feature additional facilities,
including a shooting range building, a sanitation facility, a
garage, vehicle shelter tents, and laser shooting modules. The
estimated construction cost of the Vilnius complex is approximately
鈧3.6 million.
If the initial phase is successfully implemented, the Ministry
plans to expand the program by constructing at least ten more base
complexes in other regions of Lithuania.
The expansion of KASP infrastructure is intended to improve
operational capabilities, ensure high-quality training for
volunteer soldiers, and contribute to the nation鈥檚 overall defense
Established on January 17, 1991, as the Voluntary National
Defence Service (SKAT), the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer
Forces became part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces鈥 Land Forces in
2003. Today, approximately 5,500 volunteer soldiers serve in KASP.
These reservists鈥攚ho have committed to part-time military
service鈥攖ypically participate in combat training exercises for
about 30 days per year, usually on weekends, allowing them to
balance military duties with civilian careers or studies.