Lithuania kickstarts large-scale NATO artillery drills

International artillery support exercises, dubbed Fire Thunder 2024, will commence across three military training grounds in Lithuania on September 23.

The exercises will take place at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Švenčionys District (in Pabrade), as well as at the training grounds in Kairiai (Klaipėda District) and Kazlų Rūda, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Running until September 27, the drills will involve artillery units from the Lithuanian Army, along with military personnel and equipment from NATO's enhanced forward presence in Lithuania, including the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment of the US Army.

Military officials indicated that the exercises aim to train and assess the ability of units to effectively conduct fire missions from concealed positions and enhance coordination among allied artillery support units.

During the drills, live-fire exercises will take place at the Kairiai and Pabrade training areas, utilizing both Lithuanian and allied artillery systems and mortars.

Additionally, specialists in joint fire support management will conduct training at the Kazlų Rūda training ground.

By Khagan Isayev