BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The NATO Force
Integration Unit (NFIU) in Lithuania celebrates its 10th
anniversary since its establishment on September 1, 2015, as a
critical link in strengthening collective defense in the Baltic Sea
region, Trend
reports.

The unit’s primary mission is to ensure the rapid deployment of
NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in Lithuania,
coordinate multinational military exercises, and integrate allied
forces, enhancing the alliance’s deterrence and defense
posture.

Today, at a change-of-command ceremony held at Vilnius Town
Hall, Danish Army Colonel Peter Nielsen officially handed over
command of the unit to Dutch Army Colonel Merlijn Heiliger.
Lithuania remains the only NATO member to appoint a commander from
another allied country to lead its NFIU, a symbolic and
forward-looking move that deepens Lithuania’s integration into
NATO’s command structures.

“A decade ago, we and our allies established this unit to signal
our readiness to defend every inch of NATO territory. Today, the
NFIU in Lithuania stands as a cornerstone of our collective
defense. It guarantees rapid reaction capability, strong
interoperability between nations, and practical preparedness for
any potential threat,” said Minister of National Defense Dovilė
Šakalienė.

Minister Šakalienė extended her sincere gratitude to Denmark and
Colonel Nielsen for his professional and committed leadership,
which shaped a confident and unified international team. She also
congratulated the Netherlands and welcomed Colonel Heiliger as the
new commander.

“Lithuania remains firmly committed to strengthening NATO’s
collective defense, improving military mobility, deepening
cooperation with allies, and investing in security as a fundamental
guarantee of our national freedom,” she added.

Colonel Peter Nielsen, who has led the NFIU Lithuania since
2021, brings more than 40 years of military experience, including
missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and service at NATO’s strategic
headquarters in Brussels.

His successor, Colonel Merlijn Heiliger, brings a strong
background in logistics, strategic planning, and international
defense operations. Most recently, he headed the Dutch Defense
Movement and Transportation Organization, promoting military
mobility across Europe.

“This ceremony is proof that NATO’s strength lies not only in
plans but in the people who bring them to life. Since its founding
in 2015, the NFIU Lithuania has served as a vital link between
Lithuania and allied forces. We thank Denmark for a decade of
steadfast leadership and Colonel Nielsen for his professionalism
and integrity. We also welcome the Netherlands and Colonel
Heiliger, and wish him success as he opens a new chapter for the
unit,” said Vice Minister of National Defense Orijana Mašalė.

The NFIU Lithuania is an integral part of NATO’s Readiness
Action Plan, adopted during the 2014 Wales Summit. The unit
currently includes personnel from 12 NATO member states, working
closely with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and local communities to
reinforce security and collective defense across the Baltic
region.