NATO and Lithuania launch hybrid-threat drills near Baltic coast
The exercises are taking place in western Lithuania from October 19 through October 30. Troops will rehearse coordination with public agencies while using aircraft, ships and drones in selected scenarios.
Lithuanian forces and troops from other NATO countries have begun exercises designed to test responses to hybrid threats. The drills cover Klaipeda, the surrounding district, Palanga, Neringa and parts of the Baltic Sea, and are scheduled to run until October 30.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports on Monday, October 19, citing the Klaipeda administration. The training focuses on cooperation between military personnel, government institutions and other organizations during different types of hybrid incidents.
Service members may be seen moving on foot and in vehicles while wearing tactical uniforms and carrying weapons and equipment. Some stages will involve drones, helicopters, naval vessels and other watercraft, along with blank ammunition and pyrotechnics.
More than 5,000 NATO troops are stationed in Lithuania. A German brigade is expected to become a central element of the country’s reinforced defenses, with full deployment anticipated by the end of 2027. Lithuania has also increased protection of transport and energy infrastructure and introduced additional systems for detecting drones and cruise missiles.
