Lithuania launches major military exercise Perkūno Tvirtovė 2026

The Lithuanian Armed Forces have begun the large-scale exercise Perkūno Tvirtovė 2026, aimed at refining operational planning and strengthening cooperation with NATO allies, the military announced Monday.

Organised by the Lithuanian Defence Staff, the two-week drill focuses on improving command procedures, updating the country’s alternative defence plan (known as a branch plan), and conducting operational-level military simulations, or wargaming. The Joint Headquarters and other command units will execute planning based on Lithuania’s real defence strategy.

The exercise is closely linked to NATO’s Steadfast Deterrence 2026 drills, contributing to the Alliance’s collective defence readiness and interoperability. Results from Perkūno Tvirtovė will inform the upcoming Perkūno Griausmo 2026 manoeuvres in autumn, where Lithuanian forces will train to execute tasks outlined in the national defence operational plan.