Lithuania fortifies bridges with "dragon's teeth" amid tension

The Lithuanians placed what are commonly known as dragon's teeth on the bridge over the Neman River. These are reinforced concrete blocks shaped like truncated pyramids, designed to stop enemy tanks if necessary.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense stated in a communiqué published on the X service that the construction of fortifications is "proceeding according to plan."

"Fortifications are progressing as planned, with some bridges set to be demolished. Fortifications will be supported by firepower, in case it’s needed, to stop and destroy the enemy," it added.

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland are cooperating better to secure the eastern border of the EU and NATO; efforts are being made to secure additional funding from the EU and, from NATO, the possibility of immediate strengthening of air defense, as announced at the end of September by Latvia's Minister of Defense, Andris Spruds.

Spruds acknowledged the need to be ready for conflict and vigilant even during times of peace. He highlighted that the risk to civilians comes not only from drones in flight but also from debris or objects that fall from them. Drawing from Ukraine’s experiences, he stressed this point, according to LTV television.

Recently, physical security measures have been undertaken in the east of the four countries bordering Russia and Belarus as part of the Baltic Defense Line project. In Lithuania, the focus is on fortifying critical infrastructure, such as bridges.

In Latvia, concrete and reinforced concrete anti-tank elements known as "dragon's teeth," spiked hedgehogs, or stone blocks are being installed along the border sections. Bunkers are being constructed in Estonia, and several thousand additional soldiers have been deployed to the border with Belarus in Poland, according to the Latvian broadcaster.