Lithuania pledges to allocate up to 5-6% of GDP for defense from 2026

Lithuania is committed to allocate from 5% to 6% of GDP for defense from 2026 to 2030. This was announced on January 17 by the foreign minister of the Baltic republic Kęstutis Budrys.

"Lithuania commits to allocate from 5% to 6% of its GDP for defense from 2026 to 2030. The decision was made today (January 17. - Ed.) at the State Defense Council," he wrote in the social network X (former Twitter).

As he noted, "difficult times require bold decisions and leadership." Kudris called on Lithuania's allies to follow suit, noting that the era of passive "sit and wait" strategies is over.

Earlier, on January 3, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported that the country had purchased Carl Gustaf 84 mm grenade launchers from the Swedish company SAAB Bofors Dynamics for €14 million. It is specified that the weapons and spare parts will be delivered during 2025-2026.