Lithuania fortifies border with mines and dragon's teeth
Lithuania is reinforcing its border with Russia in various ways. Aside from using a large number of "dragon's teeth," the authorities in Vilnius have decided to mine bridges leading to Kaliningrad.
"Lithuania has already purchased warehouses full of "dragon’s teeth" — concrete pyramids designed to stop tanks — and plans to mine its bridges to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad," NBC News reported, citing information from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence.
Lithuania fortifies the border with Russia
The history of elements known as "dragon's teeth" dates back to World War II when they began to be used on a wider scale. These are distinct-looking concrete or reinforced concrete obstacles (usually about 1 to 1.2 metres high) shaped like pyramids, intended to halt an enemy advancing with heavy equipment, primarily tanks that rely on tracked chassis and are additionally low-slung. The usefulness of "dragon's teeth," even in today's times, is demonstrated by the war in Ukraine, where they are also used.
Baltic countries are fencing themselves off from Russia
Similar steps are being taken by neighbouring Baltic countries, namely Latvia and Estonia. According to NBC News, Lithuania has also decided to mine the bridges leading to Russia. In the event of an attack, this would allow for the rapid destruction of key logistical structures. The importance of this is shown by the conflict in Ukraine, where the Crimean Bridge is the target of constant Ukrainian attacks and is extremely well protected by Russians.
For some time, actions regarding the construction of safeguards on the border with Belarus and the Kaliningrad Oblast have also been undertaken by Poland. A wall has been built on the border with Belarus, an electronic barrier is being built on the Polish-Russian border, and it has also been decided to build an electronic barrier on the Bug River.
In January of this year, Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary General, announced that a Baltic Guard would be established. This formation will aim to strengthen security on the Baltic Sea, and it will employ, among other things, frigates, patrol aircraft, and other types of weaponry.
Lithuania is one of the countries that has taken the reinforcement of its borders and modernization of its army most seriously after Russia's aggression in Ukraine. According to recently announced plans, in the years 2026-2030, the country's defence spending is expected to reach as much as 5-6 percent, which would be the highest in NATO.
