International military exercise begins in Švenčionys district

International military field tactical exercise Strong Griffin 2026 began on Wednesday in Lithuania’s Švenčionys district and will continue until September 20, LRT reported, citing the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

About 2,500 Lithuanian and allied NATO troops from the United States, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Ukraine, Moldova and Portugal will take part. Around 500 pieces of military equipment will be used.

The exercise is organised by the Žemaitija Infantry Brigade of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Land Forces. Its aim is to train and assess the Margiris Infantry Battalion’s ability to plan and conduct defensive and offensive operations in urban and wooded terrain.

During the exercise, troops will train in tactical situations of varying complexity, practise manoeuvres, coordinate operations and make decisions in a changing environment. Its international format is intended to strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian and allied forces and their readiness to operate together.

The exercise will also incorporate the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ ANBO unmanned aircraft capability. The capability is intended to support the development and integration of various unmanned aircraft systems and their uses, from reconnaissance and target detection to long range strikes and countering enemy unmanned aircraft.

The exercise will also allow the armed forces to assess how this capability works with other military units.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces said troops carrying weapons and military equipment would move through the affected areas and that pyrotechnic devices would be used.

From September 2 to 6, military units will also redeploy from Klaipėda to the Vilnius region. Military equipment will move towards areas in Vilnius district, including Nemenčinė, and Švenčionys district, including Pabradė and Švenčionėliai.