Lithuanian military denies claims that exercises are held only in summer

Lithuanian Armed Forces have rejected claims by the “Aušros Nemuno” association chairman Remigijus Žemaitaitis that military exercises in the country take place only during the summer months.

The military said in a statement to ELTA that the principle of “train as you fight” is followed year-round on national training grounds, regardless of season, weather or time of day.

Žemaitaitis had told ELTA earlier this week that, in a meeting with Defence Minister Robertas Katinas, he was told that large-scale exercises are planned only in summer and that intervals between them are two to three weeks.

The military added that the Pabrade training area’s multi-purpose ranges are already operating at 100 per cent capacity and could not absorb additional load without exceeding limits. Existing infrastructure can currently support only one full combat cycle for a Lithuanian infantry battalion, it said.

Work is under way to build a new multi-purpose range at the Rūdninkai training ground, which the military said will reduce pressure on Pabrade. Even with these upgrades, however, the armed forces stressed that current facilities cannot meet growing needs.

They pointed to plans to form a national division, which would require a new brigade-level training ground in Kapčiamiestis to ensure the 1st Infantry Division can train its battalions for national defence. Without the new site, the division would be unable to meet NATO commitments assigned to Lithuania, the statement said.

Last December the State Defence Council approved the establishment of the brigade-sized Kapčiamiestis training ground in Lazdijai municipality and agreed to double the size of the Tauragė training ground by expanding into Jurbarkas municipality. Local opposition has since mounted, and some coalition partners have questioned whether they will support the draft law needed to authorise the new site in parliament.