NATO Launches Two Large-Scale Exercises in Lithuania

Reference News Network reported on November 9 According to RIA Novosti on November 6, Lithuania's national broadcasting and television station reported that the German Bundeswehr and NATO multinational troops launched two large-scale exercises in Lithuania on the 6th.

It is reported that the exercises, codenamed "Shield of Freedom 26-II" and "Eagle 26," will last until December 3. The 45th Armored Brigade of the German Bundeswehr and the 37th Motorized Infantry Brigade of the 10th Armored Division are participating.

In addition to the Lithuanian and German Bundeswehr troops, NATO multinational combat forces composed of soldiers from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and other countries will also conduct real combat training.

The main task of the exercises is to enhance the combat readiness of the troops, practice operational command and planning, and strengthen the joint combat capabilities among NATO allies.

The Lithuanian military stated that the "Shield of Freedom 26-II" exercise is being held at the Rūdninkai base, while the "Eagle 26" exercise is taking place at the Pabrade base. During the exercises, a large amount of military equipment will be mobilized on the roads.

In recent years, Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns about NATO's unprecedentedly active military activities near its western border. NATO continues to increase its troop presence, claiming that this move is to "deter aggression." The Kremlin stated that Russia does not pose a threat to any country but will not ignore potential dangerous actions that harm Russian interests.

Russian President Putin pointed out that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO countries, but Western politicians often use fabricated Russian threats to intimidate their own citizens, diverting attention from domestic issues.

According to a report by DPA on November 6, a spokesperson for the 45th Armored Brigade of the German Bundeswehr stated on the 6th that this German unit stationed in Lithuania will test suicide drones for the first time during the "Shield of Freedom 26-II" exercise held in this Baltic country this month.

The spokesperson stated that in addition to multiple types of drones, this combat unit will also deploy a new loitering munition system for the first time during this NATO eastern flank exercise.

German Defense Minister Pistorius recently announced plans to establish a drone regiment and integrate it into the armored brigade. The brigade is expected to officially equip loitering munitions starting next year, and this exercise is the first test of such equipment.

The "Shield of Freedom 26-II" exercise will involve approximately 3,800 soldiers from eight NATO countries.

The exercise subjects include conducting river crossing drills on the Neman River south of Kaunas, implementing joint operations with multiple arms at the Rūdninkai training ground near the Suwalki Corridor in southern Lithuania, and conducting drone and electronic countermeasure operations. The Suwalki Corridor is considered a critical weak point on NATO's eastern flank.

Major General Christoph Huber, commander of the 45th Armored Brigade, said: "The 'Shield of Freedom' exercise is another milestone for this brigade towards being fully equipped, ready for combat, and capable of real combat operations."

As a combat unit, the 45th Armored Brigade is expected to achieve full combat capability by 2027, with a total of 4,800 military personnel and 200 civilian staff.

Currently, about 2,000 officers and soldiers are stationed in Lithuania, and the brigade includes the 203rd Tank Battalion.

While the "Shield of Freedom 26-II" exercise is underway, the 37th Motorized Infantry Brigade of the German Bundeswehr, as part of NATO's high-readiness forces, will also head to Lithuania to participate in the "Eagle 26" combat exercise. These two exercises are being conducted simultaneously in the Baltic region. (Translated by Wei Lianglei and Xu Yanhong)