On May 22nd, an unusual yet symbolic sight unfolded in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. German tanks rolled through the streets to the cheers of locals, a far cry from the memories of Nazi occupation during World War II. This time, the German army wasn’t invading — they were invited.
The occasion was the formal inauguration of Germany’s 45th Panzer Brigade, a fully armed and permanent NATO unit now based in Lithuania. In a striking show of unity, city buses flashed messages celebrating the close military bond between Germany and its Baltic ally. Yet, even amid the celebration, a moment gave pause: the Bundeswehr’s brass band played “Prussia’s Glory,” a martial anthem with echoes of Germany’s imperial past. For some German officials present, the choice stirred an uneasy mix of patriotism and historical reflection.
That hesitation quickly faded when they looked around and saw the smiles of their Lithuanian counterparts. The message was clear: in today’s Europe, a strong German army isn’t feared — it’s welcomed.
Germany’s military buildup is a direct response to rising threats from Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has pushed to reinforce its eastern flank, with Germany taking a leading role. The 45th Panzer Brigade, set to be fully operational by 2027, will consist of 4,800 troops stationed permanently in Lithuania — the largest German deployment on foreign soil since the Cold War.
For decades, Germany maintained a modest military posture, haunted by its 20th-century legacy. But with geopolitical tensions surging, Berlin is rearming fast — and with a purpose. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s pledge of a “Zeitenwende,” or historic turning point, has translated into the largest military investment in modern German history.
Still, the optics matter. A powerful German army parading near Russia’s borders is bound to raise eyebrows. But unlike the past, Germany’s tanks now roll in defense of democracy, under the banner of NATO, and with the blessing of its neighbors.
As the Lithuanian Defense Minister put it, “History remembers. But it also evolves.” Germany’s new army may be big — even scary — but in today’s world, it just might be what Europe needs.
Source: Thepressradio.com
