There's growing need for Lithuanian troops to speak German, general says

"We see a growing need for Lithuanian troops to be able to speak German as it would greatly improve our ability to integrate into the German army's joint staffs," Rupšys was quoted as saying in a statement.

In his words, there are plans already to send Lithuanian officers for a three-year rotation to serve in the German army's 10th Panzer Division in the positions of senior officers.

Cooperation between Lithuania and Germany in the area of defense has been growing in recent years. Lithuania buys infantry fighting vehicles, howitzers, armored vehicles, naval artillery, automatic fire, and grenade projectors from Germany.

Last year, Germany took the lead over an international NATO battalion stationed in Lithuania. Germany has also had the largest number of rotations in Lithuania as part of NATO's air policing mission in the Baltic states.

Moreover, Lithuanian troops are guarding the camp of German servicemen deployed in Mali as part of a UN operation.