Lithuanian army tests combat readiness and heavy weaponry in first support weapons competition

The Lithuanian armed forces have held their first team competition for support weapons operators at the Gaižiūnai training ground in Jonava district, evaluating soldiers’ preparedness, unit coordination, and the capabilities of heavy weaponry, the military announced on Wednesday.

Organised by the Lithuanian Army’s First Division, the four-day event (April 13–16) brought together seven teams from various Land Forces units, testing their proficiency with HK GMG automatic grenade launchers, M2HB heavy machine guns, and 60 mm mortars.

“This weaponry is a critical component of fire support—it enables troops to operate effectively in both offensive and defensive scenarios, ensuring firepower, precision, and rapid response to changing conditions,” the military stated.

Judges assessed not only results but also how soldiers maximised their equipment, including decision-making speed, accuracy, and teamwork. The competition included physical readiness drills and combat shooting exercises: teams navigated a one-mile obstacle course while changing firing positions, executed direct and indirect fire missions, and performed live-fire drills simulating real battlefield conditions.

“Teams demonstrated skills essential in modern combat: identifying equipment, calculating distances, orienteering, map work, reconnaissance, camouflage, and operating in nighttime or CBRN [chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear] threat environments,” the report noted.

Winners were announced in three categories: the Grand Duke Butigeidius Dragoon Battalion took first place with the HK GMG grenade launcher, the King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion won the M2HB machine gun category, and the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion excelled with the 60 mm mortar.

The military emphasised that such competitions enhance practical training, ensuring high combat readiness in dynamic environments while fostering experience-sharing, tactical refinement, and inter-unit cooperation.

“Events like these are a vital part of soldier training—they strengthen unit cohesion, improve tactics, and ensure weapons are used as effectively as possible,” the armed forces said.