Lithuania strengthens defense: large-scale conscription starts in 2026
3 December 08:56
Lithuania has announced a large-scale upgrade of its defense system and is introducing an annual conscription, which will serve as the basis for strengthening the army and forming a trained reserve. This was announced by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Annual conscription in 2026
From January 2 to December 31, 2026, an updated format of compulsory basic service will be in effect in the country. During this time, about 5,000 citizens are expected to be drafted, and the recruitment will be distributed evenly throughout the year.
The military leadership emphasizes that the decision was made against the backdrop of growing risks in the region and the need to strengthen defense capabilities.
Colonel Danas Motskunas called the planned conscription “a targeted step to strengthen national defense.” According to him, a wide range of programs allows to take into account the different needs of the army and gives young people the opportunity to choose the most convenient format of service.
Formats of service
The conscription model for 2026 includes several areas:
- 3,870 conscripts will serve a 9-month basic service.
- 90 specialists in shortage specialties will be recruited for 3-month training.
- 650 citizens will be trained for 160-200 days in junior officer training programs (340 in military units, 310 in the Military Academy).
- 450 young people will choose 90-120-day programs that form a basic military specialty and provide for three years of further training.
Conditions for students and graduates
Conscription is adapted to educational schedules.
High school graduates will be able to begin service immediately after receiving their diplomas.
Students will be offered flexible, shortened programs that allow them to combine their studies with military training.
Earlier, Lithuania also stepped up its air defense after incidents with drones and smuggled bullets from Belarus: dozens of Lithuanian companies demonstrated new technologies to detect and neutralize air threats.
