Lithuania Tests Bunkers Against Russian Artillery Threat

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania—along with Estonia and Latvia—has committed to strengthening its military. All three Baltic states have pledged to allocate 5% of their GDP to defence, significantly boosting their security preparedness.

Simulating Real Battle Conditions
The current tests simulate standard Russian artillery attacks, evaluating how well the bunkers protect the personnel inside. The Lithuanian armed forces reported that multiple indicators—such as pressure, noise levels, and wall vibrations—are being closely monitored to assess the impact of the blasts.

The best-performing bunker prototypes will be installed at the PabradÄ— site and a second training location by the end of 2025. These structures will serve as essential components for future military drills. Officials stated that this initiative aims to draw insights from the battlefield experiences in Ukraine.

Baltic Defence Line Expands
Lithuania's testing is part of a larger regional effort known as the "Baltic Defence Line," which includes coordinated actions by Estonia, Latvia, and Poland to secure their borders with Russia and Belarus. Estonia began its own bunker tests in 2023, using 155-millimetre artillery shells to evaluate three types of structures.

The Estonian army plans to deploy 600 bunkers along its eastern frontier. During these tests, military officials from Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland observed the process, highlighting regional collaboration.

Additional steps already taken include the installation of defensive structures such as concrete barriers called "dragons' teeth," the placement of mines, and the excavation of tank traps along key frontier zones. Poland is also advancing similar efforts through its "East Shield" initiative, contributing to a comprehensive regional defence posture.