Lithuania launches largest annual national mobilisation exercise

Lithuania on Friday, September 25, launched its largest annual national mobilisation exercise, Vyčio skliautas 2026 (Vytis Vault 2026), to test the country’s response to a deteriorating security situation and its transition to a wartime mobilisation regime.

Running through October 3, the exercise combines tabletop scenarios with practical tasks involving around 3,000 civil servants, officials, municipal and institutional representatives, businesses and nongovernmental organisations, as well as about 1,000 volunteers, the Government Chancellery told local media.

The fictional scenario is based on current security threats and envisages disruptions to energy and communications systems, the reception of allied forces, continuity of critical services and the maintenance of government operations under extraordinary conditions.

Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre, said the exercise would test the continuity of state governance and how institutions make and prioritise decisions under pressure.

September 29 and October 3 will be the two key exercise days. On September 29, authorities will test public warning systems, including sirens, emergency alerts sent to mobile phones and the LT72 emergency preparedness app.

The drills will also include evacuation exercises involving residents of Vilnius and municipalities near the Belarusian border. The scenario envisages a potential military incursion from Belarus.

In Lazdijai district, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union will conduct a parallel exercise, Tvirtas dzūkas 2026, focused on protecting critical infrastructure, supporting local authorities and maintaining public order. Participants will also carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, target detection and casualty evacuation drills.

Polish officials will observe the exercises as part of an international cooperation component, Vitkauskas said.

By Tamilla Hasanova