Baltic states conduct joint naval exercises under NATO program

In a display of regional cooperation, the naval forces of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia conducted joint tactical exercises in Lithuanian waters of the Baltic Sea under NATO's defence initiatives. 

The exercises, named Baltic Fortress 2024, were organized by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Navy with the support of the NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

The event, which took place this week, marked a milestone in the region's defence collaboration, as it was the first time the exercise incorporated NATO’s advanced computer modelling system for simulating operational scenarios. This technology allowed for enhanced tactical planning and operational precision, emphasizing the growing integration of NATO's technological resources in regional defence operations.

In addition to the three participating Baltic States, the exercise also involved the Commander Task Force Baltic, which coordinates naval forces in the Baltic Sea region. The exercise aimed to strengthen interoperability, enhance maritime security, and improve coordination among the naval forces of NATO members in the region.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence highlighted that this year’s exercise underscored the commitment of the Baltic nations to bolstering collective security within the alliance, especially in the context of growing security challenges in the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva