Lithuanian military conducts Perkūno bastionas exercises near Klaipėda

The Lithuanian military and the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union are conducting the “Perkūno bastionas / Juodas vanagas 2026” command exercises from October 22 to 25. The drills involve approximately 2,000 personnel, including soldiers, riflemen, police, customs, firefighters, and healthcare workers, across Klaipėda, Gargždai, Šilutė, and surrounding areas.

The exercises aim to test inter-institutional coordination and readiness to protect strategic objects, ensure public safety, and perform command and armed resistance tasks during national threats. As part of the drills, a joint control post named “RECO17” was established on the A1 highway near Dirvupiai to inspect vehicles, persons, and cargo.

Traffic restrictions were implemented on the A1 highway between kilometers 298 and 301.7 toward Klaipėda, with the second lane closed and traffic diverted to the first lane. Additionally, exercises include simulating a civilian protest escalating into riots near the Klaipėda municipal building to practice response procedures.