Lithuania plans to increase its defense spending to 5-6% of GDP.

The necessity of increasing military spending has been linked by Nauseda to the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, which poses a threat to the security of all European nations. "The possibility of Russian military aggression remains real, but it is not inevitable. We must significantly enhance our efforts to strengthen defense and deterrence, allocating more resources for this purpose," said the president. "Our Armed Forces must be equipped with the necessary weapons, equipment, personnel, and supplies, and all of this must be obtained in a timely manner. Only then will investments in defense pay off and have the maximum deterrent effect."

The Lithuanian Minister of Defense, Dovile Shakalyne, clarified that the funds allocated for defense will primarily be used as advance payments to arms manufacturers. Lithuania intends to purchase Leopard tanks, other heavy weapon platforms, and modern air defense systems.

Currently, Lithuania's military expenditures are around 3% of GDP. If increased, Lithuania will become the first European country to reach the target of 5% of GDP allocated for defense, as stated by the elected U.S. President Donald Trump.