More than 180 Lithuanian volunteers join drills in Latvia

LRT reported Monday that more than 180 soldiers from the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ National Defence Volunteer Force are taking part in the Namejs 2026 international exercise in Latvia this month.

Alongside Latvian and other NATO troops, soldiers from three Lithuanian units are training to carry out collective defence tasks, coordinate with allies and respond to changing situations.

The main aim of the exercise is to assess the units’ readiness to conduct defence operations in the event of large-scale conventional or hybrid warfare, the Lithuanian military said.

One of the exercise’s main focuses is the use of unmanned aircraft. Soldiers are training to use drones for reconnaissance and fire support, as well as to detect, identify and neutralise enemy drones using electronic and kinetic means.

The exercise also involves armoured and motorised vehicles, small arms, specialised equipment and military aircraft.

In addition to tactical operations, the exercise assesses cooperation between the military and civil protection authorities, crisis management in cities, and the ability to maintain critical infrastructure and essential everyday services.

Mobilisation procedures are also being tested, including how quickly the ready reserve and volunteers can be activated and supplied with full combat equipment.

Namejs exercises have been held in Latvia since 2014 and are among the country’s largest territorial defence drills. Lithuanian volunteer soldiers take part regularly, while Latvia’s territorial defence forces are also invited to volunteer soldier training in Lithuania to share experience.