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Soldiers

Lithuania Prepares for "Thunder" Series of Military Exercises with Allies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Lithuanian Armed Forces, in partnership with allied forces and state institutions, will conduct a large-scale military exercise, "Thunderstorm 2025," from September 2 to November 30. The exercise will focus on ensuring the readiness of military units to carry out tasks outlined in the State Armed Defense Plan. Approximately 17,000 soldiers from Lithuania and allied countries will participate in the exercises, which will involve simulation and sound equipment, military aircraft, and large military equipment columns on roads. The exercises will take place on training grounds and in civilian areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Thunderstorm 2025" exercise is a series of smaller exercises that will test the coordination of institutions and the State Armed Defense Plan.
  • The exercise will involve approximately 17,000 soldiers from Lithuania and allied countries over two months.
  • The Lithuanian Armed Forces will focus on training military commandants, who will interact with armed forces units in municipalities after mobilization and martial law are introduced.
  • The German 45th Brigade will conduct field exercises, Grand Eagle 25, during which approximately 2,000 soldiers from the German 37th Brigade will arrive in Lithuania.
  • The NATO exercise Northern Coasts will involve German, US, and Lithuanian ships patrolling the Baltic Sea.
  • The United States soldiers will conduct the Iron Fist command exercise, redeploying allied forces from Poland to the Suwalki Corridor.
  • The NATO exercise Steadfast Duel 2025 aims to train elements of NATO's command and force structures to conduct deterrence and defense operations.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 17,000 soldiers from Lithuania and allied countries will participate in the "Thunderstorm 2025" exercise.
  • The exercise will last for two months, from September 2 to November 30.
  • The German 45th Brigade willconduct field exercises, Grand Eagle 25, with approximately 2,000 soldiers from the German 37th Brigade arriving in Lithuania.
  • The NATO exercise Northern Coasts will involve German, US, and Lithuanian ships patrolling the Baltic Sea.

Sources:

  • Kaunas City Municipality, Lithuania news release, September 2 (no date)

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