German troops conduct NATO exercises in Lithuania

Nearly 3,000 NATO troops, primarily from the German military, have been conducting six weeks of intensive training in Pabradė, Lithuania. The exercises, part of Freedom Shield I, involve the use of drones, electronic warfare, heavy armor, artillery, infantry, helicopters, and fighter jets to prepare for defending NATO territory against a “conventional aggressor.”

A central component of these operations is Germany’s 45th Armoured Brigade, also referred to as the Lithuania Brigade. As part of a long-term strategic decision, Germany aims to permanently station approximately 4,800 troops in Lithuania by the end of 2027. This deployment, which will consist of five battalions spread across two locations, is intended to serve as a deterrent against Russia.

Germany has contributed to NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Lithuania since 2017 through the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) framework. While previous deployments followed a rotational model, the upcoming permanent presence marks a significant shift in the security architecture of the alliance’s eastern flank.