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The Ministry of National Defence has announced the launch of a public-private partnership (PPP) procurement for the development and maintenance of the Kairiai military base in the Klaipėda district. This new base will serve as a permanent facility for the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Motorised Infantry Brigade “Žemaitija” and conscripted soldiers.

The Kairiai military base will accommodate approximately 1,500 Lithuanian troops. According to Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė, the project will play a key role in strengthening national defence capabilities. “This base will provide the necessary infrastructure for Lithuania’s developing national division, which in the event of war would serve as the main manoeuvre unit,” said the Minister.

Design and construction of the military base are scheduled to begin in 2027, with full infrastructure completion expected within three years. The PPP model will be used to ensure more efficient risk-sharing between the public and private sectors while reducing initial public investment. The total financial commitment by the state is estimated at approximately EUR 520 million (including VAT), covering the design, construction, facility maintenance and service provision over a 12-year period, as well as financing costs.

Vice-Minister of National Defence Orijana Mašalė emphasised the project's scale and broader impact: “This is one of the largest military infrastructure projects in Lithuania’s history. We are committed to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and transparency. Beyond enhancing our defence capabilities, the Kairiai project will also contribute to economic growth by creating jobs for local communities, following successful examples from Pajūris, Rokantiškės, Šiauliai and the ongoing development in Rūdninkai.”

Covering around 80 hectares, the Kairiai base will include residential and administrative buildings, sports and recreational infrastructure, storage and technical facilities, as well as transport and helicopter landing areas. The total area of the buildings will reach approximately 67,000 square meters, with an additional 30,000 square meters allocated to engineering structures. The base will also support the integration of NATO allied forces in Lithuania.

The procurement is being conducted through a competitive dialogue process. Interested companies must submit initial project proposals by the end of this year. These will be followed by technical, financial and legal negotiations, with final proposals and contract signing planned by the end of 2026. The public procurement announcement could be found here.

The Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) is providing expert support throughout the process, as it has for other military base developments. CPVA is assisting the Ministry from early planning and private partner selection to contract finalisation and implementation oversight. The agency is also currently advising the ministry on the Rūdninkai military base project.

The article was prepared based on information published by the Ministry of National Defence.