Lithuanian volunteers test Patria armored vehicles in Latvian drills

Lithuanian soldiers tested Patria armored vehicles during field tactical exercises with Latvia’s National Guard near Jēkabpils on August 8 and 9, LRT reported, citing the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Members of the 506th Infantry Company of the 5th Detachment of the Vyčio District of Lithuania’s National Defence Volunteer Force took part in exercises with the Latvian National Guard’s 56th Battalion. The drills focused on joint operations, combat skills and coordination between the two countries’ forces.

The main aim was to improve the soldiers’ readiness to participate in Latvia’s territorial defence and to work effectively with Lithuanian volunteer forces.

The Lithuanian soldiers were assigned Patria wheeled armored vehicles used by the Latvian military. They trained to operate in the exercise area according to a set scenario and to function as an independent platoon.

Over the two-day exercise, the soldiers carried out various tactical tasks with their Latvian counterparts, including patrolling as a motorised unit, setting up mobile checkpoints and demonstrating tactical operations in a populated area.

The exercises placed particular emphasis on command and control procedures, the rapid exchange of information and providing mutual support during joint operations.

The Lithuanian Volunteer Force and Latvia’s National Guard cooperate closely through joint tactical exercises as well as sporting and cultural events. According to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, regular joint training and assignments strengthen mutual trust, improve understanding and help prepare the countries to conduct joint defence operations if needed.