(VOVworld) – NATO has activated its command units in six central and eastern European member countries to boost defense amid regional tensions, Lithuania’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, 2014. (Photo: AP / Francois Lenoir)

The six multinational units with around 40 officers each were set up to facilitate the deployment of the newly forged NATO rapid reaction force and coordinate military drills. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will attend ceremonies in Vilnius Thursday formally inaugurating these command units.