Lithuania launches Iron Wolf military exercises with focus on interagency coordination

The Lithuanian Armed Forces launched the main infantry field tactics exercise Iron Wolf 2026 on Monday, with special emphasis on coordinating operations between military units and civilian institutions, the defence force announced.

The two-week drills, taking place at the Gaižiūnai training ground and surrounding areas of Kaunas, Kaišiadorys, Elektrėnai, and Jonava, will involve over 2,500 troops. Intensive movement of military convoys is expected on local roads between May 5–6 and May 12–13.

Participating forces include Lithuania’s Iron Wolf Brigade, the Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion, the King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion, and the Jokūbas Jasinskis Logistics Battalion, alongside NATO’s forward-presence battlegroup and allied troops from the UK and Poland. Over 300 units of military equipment will be deployed, supported by Lithuanian Air Force helicopters.

The exercises will test new defence industry products, particularly unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone measures. A key objective is refining joint operations using shared communication and tactical systems to ensure rapid, coordinated responses in crises.

“Training in real terrain helps us better understand the operational environment and effectively prepare for national defence,” the Armed Forces stated in a release reported by BNS.