Western Lithuania begins large-scale commandant exercises

Large-scale military exercises began in western Lithuania on Thursday, with about 2,000 riflemen and soldiers taking part, LRT reports.

The exercises, called Perkūno bastionas / Juodas vanagas 2026, are being held in Klaipėda, Gargždai, Šilutė and their surrounding areas. They are organised by the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ War Commandant’s Board and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.

Representatives of the police, customs, the fire and rescue service, healthcare institutions and other organisations, as well as volunteers, are also participating.

The armed forces said the aim is to assess how riflemen, soldiers, municipalities and other institutions are prepared to work together in the event of a threat to the state. Participants will practise protecting strategically important facilities, maintaining public security, carrying out commandant and armed resistance tasks, and coordinating work between institutions.

The exercises run from October 22 to 25.