NATO Iron Wolf 2026 drills begin in Lithuania

Large-scale NATO field tactical exercises Iron Wolf 2026 have begun in Lithuania.

According to LRT, more than 2,500 soldiers, including NATO allies, are taking part in the two-week drills, which are being held at the Gaižiūnai training area and in the Kaunas, Kaišiadorys, Elektrėnai and Jonava districts.

Military officials said the exercises will focus on coordination between units and cooperation with civilian structures, including police, fire services, local authorities and the Public Security Service.

NATO forward presence forces, troops from the United Kingdom and Poland, as well as units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, are also participating.

The drills involve more than 300 pieces of equipment and Air Force helicopters, as well as testing of modern communication systems, drones and anti-drone technologies developed by Lithuania’s defence industry.

Officials said the exercises are aimed at improving readiness for crisis situations and practising coordinated operations in real terrain conditions.

By Vugar Khalilov