Germany deploys soldiers outside its borders for first time since WW2

CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford speaks with Barbara Friedman about this and other stories trending online.

Listen below:

For the first time since World War II, Germany is deploying permanent troops beyond its borders.

They have deployed soldiers to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, to defend NATO’s Eastern flank.

The German brigade includes around 4,800 soldiers, hundreds of civilian staff, and 2,000 vehicles, including tanks.

It is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

Germany's Chief of Defence has also ordered the German military to be fully equipped with weapons and other materials by 2029.

They believe Russia will have strong enough forces to attack NATO territory by 2029.

Earlier this month, satellite footage revealed that Russia had been building up its military presence near their border with Finland, which joined NATO in 2023.

RELATED: Russia builds up troops along Finnish border

Outside of Europe, Japan is also building up its military capacity to defend against potential threats from North Korea, China, and Russia.

They are also changing their military strategy from passive defence to proactive defence.

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Both Germany and Japan were demilitarised after the Second World War.

“Germany and Japan are feeling like they have to be a little more self-sufficient.”

– Barbara Friedman

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