German forces face tank shortage in Lithuania

According to *Der Spiegel* magazine, one tank battalion has been assigned 197 personnel and another 181 out of the required 640. Internal Bundeswehr documents confirm that only about ten percent of the planned strength has been reached. Officers and soldiers reported that they know the brigade is focused on a specific target and could be the first to come under fire from 'Oreshnik' if they enter the territory of the Union State.

Context

In recent years, Germany has been strengthening military ties with NATO countries, including Lithuania, and participating in joint exercises in the region.