Germany launches exercises in Lithuania with over 6,000 troops

Two German military exercises involving more than 6,000 troops begin in Lithuania on Friday, LRT reported, citing the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The exercises, Freedom Shield 26-II and Grand Eagle 26, will run until December 3. They will involve soldiers from Germany’s 45th Armoured Brigade Lithuania and 37th Mechanised Infantry Brigade Saxony, both part of the 10th Panzer Division.

They will train alongside troops from the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Lithuania, including personnel from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as a Lithuanian Armed Forces unit.

Freedom Shield 26-II will take place at the Rudninkai military training area, while Grand Eagle 26 will be held at the General Silvestras Žukauskas military training area. The exercises aim to strengthen unit readiness, improve command and operational planning procedures, and enhance cooperation with NATO allies Lithuania and Poland, the armed forces said.

Allied troops and military equipment will travel on Lithuanian roads during the exercises. The heaviest movements are expected from the Kalvarija border post to the training areas on November 6 and 7, and from Klaipėda on November 10 to 12. After the exercises, military equipment is expected to move from the training areas towards Kalvarija and Klaipėda between November 28 and December 3.

The armed forces warned that military convoys may temporarily slow traffic on some roads. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and follow instructions from military police.