Lithuania expands its army with broad new conscription effort
Lithuanian soldiers (Photo: Getty Images)
Lithuania has announced sweeping changes to its defense system and is launching a year-long draft that will become a key element in building up the country’s reserve forces and boosting overall readiness, according to a statement from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Lithuania introduces a mandatory basic service
From January 2 to December 31, 2026, Lithuania will implement a new format of mandatory basic military service.
The country plans to draft roughly five thousand citizens, with conscription spread throughout the entire year.
Officials emphasize that this model is designed to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities amid an increasingly unpredictable regional security environment.
Colonel Danas Mockūnas, commenting on the decision, said that the 2026 draft is seen as a targeted step to reinforce the national defense system.
He also noted that a wide range of programs allows the military to meet various personnel needs, while giving young people the opportunity to choose a format that best aligns with their educational and professional plans.
Service formats and distribution of conscripts
The recruitment structure offers several service options:
- 3,870 people will be assigned to a nine-month mandatory basic service.
- 90 specialists from high-demand fields will undergo a three-month training program.
- 650 citizens will complete 160–200 days of training under junior officer preparation programs: 340 in army units and 310 at the Military Academy.
- 450 young people will be able to choose 90–120-day programs that provide a basic military specialty and are designed for further training over the next three years.
Conditions for students and graduates
The military emphasizes that the draft is organized with the schedules of educational institutions in mind. High-school graduates will be able to begin their service immediately after receiving their diplomas, while university students will be offered more flexible and shorter programs that allow them to combine studies with military training.
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