Lithuania introduces general conscription

Lithuania is introducing mandatory military service, increasing the number of conscripts from 5,000 to 7,500 by 2032. President Gitanas Nausėda announced this decision after the State Defense Council's approval for army expansion. Women will still have the option to volunteer for service. The military requested additional time to enhance training infrastructure and increase the number of instructors. New training opportunities will include drone operation and support roles in border patrol and emergency services. Lithuania reinstated partial conscription in 2015 due to security concerns following Russia's annexation of Crimea, and has developed evacuation plans and civil resistance training in response to potential threats.