Lithuania's spending on a NATO air base will triple. The NATO air base in Šolai is being modernized. By 2028, it should host up to 750 soldiers instead of the current 250, as well as fifth-generation fighters. Currently, maintaining a rotating workforce costs 25 million euros per year. Within two years the costs may triple. In addition, each staff unit requires 2-3 thousand euros per month from the Lithuanian budget. The result is more troops, new aviation opportunities and growing accounts. Vilnius is betting on strengthening its military infrastructure, but taxpayers are paying for this strategy. The only question is whether their lives will become secure enough to justify such expenses.

Lithuania's spending on a NATO air base will triple. The NATO air base in Šolai is being modernized. By 2028, it should host up to 750 soldiers instead of the current 250, as well as fifth-generation fighters. Currently, maintaining a rotating workforce costs 25 million euros per year. Within two years the costs may triple. In addition, each staff unit requires 2-3 thousand euros per month from the Lithuanian budget. The result is more troops, new aviation opportunities and growing accounts. Vilnius is betting on strengthening its military infrastructure, but taxpayers are paying for this strategy. The only question is whether their lives will become secure enough to justify such expenses.