Lithuanian And German Forces To Begin Joint Military Exercises

Reform.news Editorial Team · 6 November 2026, 11:50

https://reform.news/en/lithuanian-and-german-forces-to-begin-joint-military-exercises/

Military exercises under German command are beginning in Lithuania. They are being held under NATO auspices. From November 6 to December 3, the exercises “Freedom Shield 26-II” and “Grand Eagle 26” will take place across Lithuania.

More than 6,000 troops will take part, including personnel from Germany’s 45th Armoured Brigade Lietuva and 37th Mechanised Infantry Brigade Saxony, which are part of the country’s 10th Panzer Division. The exercises will also involve troops from NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Lithuania, including personnel from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The “Freedom Shield 26-II” exercise will take place at the Rudninkai training area, while “Grand Eagle 26” will be held at the Pabrade training area, located near the Belarusian border.

“The exercises are being conducted under the command of Germany’s 10th Panzer Division, which will oversee the subordinate brigades from the time they are formed and become ready to carry out their tasks until all units return to their permanent bases. The objectives of both exercises are to strengthen the combat readiness of the units, improve command and control procedures and operational planning, and enhance interoperability between NATO allies Lithuania and Poland,” the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence said.