Lithuania to expand training grounds as practical value becomes clear

Lithuanian National Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė has expressed optimism that the development of new military training areas across the country will gain momentum as their strategic value becomes more apparent.

Speaking on May 16 at the multinational field training exercise Iron Wolf 2025-I, Šakalienė highlighted the significance of the drills in the context of NATO’s regional defence strategy, Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry.

“I hope that the construction of new military areas at our national level will accelerate when we see how much they are needed and what practical value they have,” she added.

She also emphasised that the drills are a practical implementation of the regional defence plans agreed to at the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

“We are certifying readiness, chains of command, and interaction with our Allies. It is a practical demonstration of preparations for actions in support of collective defence and of synchronisation of our national defence plan with NATO plans,” she noted. 

Šakalienė thanked Lithuanian and Allied troops for their service and emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation. 

“We are stronger together, and this day is a testament to that,” she stated.

Over 8,000 troops are participating in training exercises throughout May as part of the broader NATO exercise Griffin Lightning 2025, which is designed to enhance Allied coordination and defence readiness along NATO’s eastern flank.

“Thank you to our soldiers and allies. We are ready, united and strong. Lithuania’s security is in professional hands,” the minister shared on X.

By Sabina Mammadli