Lithuanian crews fire Leopard tanks in Lithuania for the first time

Lithuanian crews fired live rounds from German Leopard 2A6 tanks in Lithuania for the first time on Friday, at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground, LRT reported. The exercise marked the first field operations of the tank battalion Lithuania is building, according to Brigadier General Nerijus Stankevičius, commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Land Forces.

Four Lithuanian crews took part, carrying out manoeuvres and firing at targets. Stankevičius called the exercise the first combat steps for the country’s tank unit, rather than training conducted in a classroom.

Lithuania’s first tanks are expected to arrive in the second half of 2028. Stankevičius said the battalion is being established on schedule and that crews must be ready to operate the tanks when they arrive. About half of the planned positions have been filled, and Lithuanian soldiers trained in Germany are expected to become instructors.

Four complete crews have been trained so far, said Major Vytis Šciukas, an officer working on the tank battalion project for the Iron Wolf infantry brigade. Training for four more crews is due to begin next week. Soldiers are taking courses in Lithuania and abroad, with support from allies, he said.

The basic course for tank gunners, loaders and operators lasts 12 weeks. Drivers need an additional four weeks of training, while tank commanders require a further 18 weeks. Šciukas said Lithuania is building its tank capability almost from scratch and aims for the unit to operate to the highest NATO standards by 2030.

The battalion will become part of a heavy mechanised brigade and add manoeuvre and firepower to the Lithuanian military. Stankevičius said Latvia and Estonia do not have tank units, making Lithuania the first of the three Baltic states to establish one.

Senior Private Dovydas Vaiciukas, who served as a loader during the exercise, said the first shot was the most nerve-racking. He said the teamwork involved in operating a tank was what motivated him to join the unit.