German Tank Brigade Conducts First Combat Exercise in Lithuania

Germany's newly formed Panzerbrigade 45 has completed its first combat exercise on Lithuanian soil as part of the NATO "Freedom Shield 2026" drills. The exercise, held at the Pabrade training ground, is a significant step in enhancing the brigade's combat readiness, according to its commander, Brigadier General Christoph Huber.

"We are learning from what we see in Ukraine," Huber told the German Press Agency, emphasizing the brigade's focus on preparing for future conflict scenarios rather than past wars. The establishment of Panzerbrigade 45 is Germany's response to the escalating threat posed by Russia. The brigade is scheduled to reach full operational capability by 2027, with a total strength of 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian employees.

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Dabei lernen wir natürlich von dem, was wir sehen in der Ukraine.

The main phase of the exercise involved around 2,900 soldiers, including approximately 2,300 from Germany, and 800 vehicles from eight NATO member states. The training area in Pabrade is strategically located about 15 kilometers from the border with Belarus, a close ally of Russia.

Panzerbrigade 45, formally established last year and part of the 10th Panzer Division, is training for future combat scenarios. "For us as Panzerbrigade 45 'Lithuania', as part of the 10th Panzer Division, it is very, very important that we prepare ourselves for possible conflict scenarios, combat scenarios of the future, not for the war of the past," Huber stated.

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Für uns als Panzerbrigade 45 «Litauen», als Teil der 10. Panzerdivision, ist es ganz, ganz wichtig, dass wir uns auf mögliche Konfliktszenarien, Gefechtsszenarien der Zukunft vorbereiten, nicht auf den Krieg der Vergangenheit.