Lithuania installs anti-tank Czech hedgehogs and dragon's teeth opposite the bridge to Russian Kaliningrad region: what's going on

On September 5, Lithuania completed the installation of anti-tank obstacles opposite the Queen Louise Bridge, which connects the country to the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation. These engineering structures stop the enemy's movement so that it can be destroyed by fire.

This was reported by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense. The ministry noted that "anti-mobility measures" are an important component of the country's defense concept.

The head of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, explained that the bridge is the property of the Russian Federation, so Vilnius can only set up obstacles in front of it. In particular, it was blocked with Czech hedgehogs and dragon's teeth.

"In addition to these measures, it is also planned to install backup obstacles on the pillars, namely sets of metal beams. At the ford, the enemy will also be hampered not only by the steep slopes of the river, but also by mines, dragon's teeth, Czech hedgehogs and barbed wire. It is important to be prepared for anything that may happen," said the Lithuanian Defense Minister.

The head of the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs, Agnė Bilotaitė, said that this line of defense is another step towards strengthening the protection of Lithuania's state border, which is the external border of the EU and NATO.

A total of 27 zones protected by engineering means are being created near the borders with Russia and Belarus in Lithuania.

By the end of 2024, the Lithuanian army plans to receive dragon teeth, prefabricated Czech hedgehogs, cheval de frises, and concrete road barriers worth more than €4 million. At the same time, the state additionally plans to purchase dragon teeth for another 2.5 million euros.

"Other measures to counter mobility are also planned: deepening reclamation ditches, forming tree alleys along roads and maintaining existing forests up to 20 kilometers from the border and around main and intermediate roads, and strengthening Neman fords on the border with Russia. The development of the Lithuanian army's mine action capabilities will significantly increase the effectiveness of all other counter-mobility measures," the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said.

The ministry summarized that Lithuania needs about 600 million euros to implement all the measures within 10 years.

As reported, Lithuania has mobilized five and a half thousand volunteers to defend the country in case of war. Such mobilization is the idea of the Lithuanian authorities, who seek to involve the civilian population in the defense of the state.

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