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Lithuania Launches New Cyber Defense Command to Strengthen National and NATO Cybersecurity.
As part of a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering national security and enhancing interoperability with NATO partners, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense has officially inaugurated the Lithuanian Cyber Command (LTCYBERCOM). Established on January 1, 2025, this new unit marks a major milestone in Lithuania’s efforts to address emerging cyber threats and protect critical national infrastructure.
The creation of LTCYBERCOM is part of a broader plan to unify Lithuania’s cyber defense resources under a single authority. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)
LTCYBERCOM was created through a concerted initiative led by the Ministry of National Defense. As a new branch of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, it is responsible for planning and conducting operations in cyberspace, as well as installing and managing strategic and operational Communication and Information Systems (CIS). It will also play a pivotal role in ensuring interoperability among the Lithuanian Armed Forces, NATO, and various national and international institutions.
Emphasizing the importance of cyber capabilities in modern defense strategies, Deputy Minister of National Defense Tomas Godliauskas highlighted the essential role LTCYBERCOM will play. According to him, the Lithuanian Cyber Defense Command is a fundamental element for coordinating military action and planning in cyberspace, especially since many NATO Allies have already put similar measures in place. He added that strengthening defense and effectively managing cyber incidents are crucial factors for countering emerging threats and ensuring the state’s national security.
The creation of LTCYBERCOM is part of a broader plan to unify Lithuania’s cyber defense resources under a single authority. The new command includes a headquarters responsible for planning and implementing cyber operations, the Lithuanian Great Hetman Kristupas Radvila Perkūnas CIS Battalion, which will provide robust communication and information services throughout the defense structures, and the Cyber Defense Command’s IT Service, which emerged from the restructuring of the former IT service under the Ministry of National Defense. This reorganization consolidates several cyber functions under LTCYBERCOM’s mandate, while certain remaining tasks will be transferred to the National Cyber Security Center and the Core Centre of State Telecommunications, which also fall under the Ministry of National Defense.
In parallel, the National Cyber Security Center will continue to serve as the national cybersecurity agency, providing cyber incident response and resilience across government entities and key sectors. Its activities will complement LTCYBERCOM’s efforts to build a comprehensive defense posture nationwide.
LTCYBERCOM’s legal foundation was laid in July 2024, when the Seimas—the Lithuanian parliament—approved the Ministry of National Defense’s proposal to amend the law defining the principal structure of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. These legislative changes paved the way for the official inauguration of the new command. By establishing LTCYBERCOM, Lithuania adopts a proactive stance in a global context marked by rapidly evolving cyber threats. This initiative not only strengthens Lithuania’s internal defenses but also enhances its ability to collaborate closely with its NATO Allies. As cyber warfare becomes an increasingly central aspect of national security, the new Lithuanian Cyber Defense Command is poised to play a major role in safeguarding both national and collective interests.