Lithuania to Enhance Border Infrastructure Amid Security Concerns

April 19, 2025 - By Olena Goncharova

In response to escalating security concerns, Lithuania plans to strengthen its border infrastructure, particularly in the strategically significant Suwałki Gap. This area, approximately 100 kilometers wide, connects Poland and Lithuania and is bordered by Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. It has been identified as a potential target for future military actions by Russia against NATO and the European Union.

According to a report from Politico on April 18, Lithuanian Deputy Defense Minister Tomas Godliauskas emphasized the importance of the infrastructure upgrades. “These roads are critical from a security and defense perspective,” he explained. “They have always been part of our civil-military planning as key ground routes for allied support during a crisis.”

Upgrades to Key Routes

As part of the initiative, Lithuania will collaborate with Poland to enhance the Vilnius–Augustow route to dual-use standards. This effort complements the existing Via Baltica corridor, which runs from Kaunas to Warsaw and serves as a significant channel for military and civilian mobility. Godliauskas noted, “It's just one more option to ensure better logistics in times of need.”

The planned upgrades involve reconstructing 113 kilometers of roadway and renovating eight bridges. The Lithuanian government aims to complete this project by 2028. However, Godliauskas acknowledged the potential for delays in multinational projects, stating, “But we hope that the geopolitical situation, our interest, and Poland's capabilities will allow us to reach that timeline.”

Measures to Improve Border Security

In addition to road upgrades, discussions are underway regarding new border protection measures. These include counter-mobility systems and cement barriers near the borders with Belarus and Kaliningrad. Lithuania is also looking into solutions to combat Russian tactics such as GPS spoofing and jamming.

To fund these projects, Lithuania plans to seek support from the European Union and will work with Poland, Estonia, and Latvia in their lobbying efforts in Brussels. Currently, the upgrade initiative is being financed through a bilateral agreement between the transport and defense ministries of Poland and Lithuania.

The ongoing security dialogue and infrastructure enhancements reflect Lithuania's proactive approach to safeguarding its borders and enhancing defense capabilities amid heightened tensions in the region.