International ‘Strong Griffin 26’ military exercise begins in Švenčionys district

Around 2,500 Lithuanian and allied troops from the United States, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Ukraine, Moldova and Portugal are taking part in the international “Strong Griffin 26” exercise in Švenčionys district.

The exercise will assess the ability of Lithuania’s Grand Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion to plan and conduct defensive and offensive operations in urban and wooded areas. Soldiers will train in tactical situations of varying complexity, practicing maneuver, coordination, planning and decision-making in a changing environment.

The multinational format is intended to strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian forces and their allies. Lithuania’s ANBO unmanned aircraft capability will also join the training, supporting the development and integration of drone systems and their use, from reconnaissance and target detection to long-range strikes and counter-drone operations.

The exercise runs until September 20. Military vehicles and armed troops will move through the designated areas, and pyrotechnic devices will be used. From September 2 to 6, military units will also redeploy from Klaipėda toward the Vilnius region, with equipment traveling toward areas in Vilnius district, including Nemenčinė, and Švenčionys district, including Pabradė and Švenčionėliai.