Tag: Belarus

German Brigade Begins Lithuania War Drills

Commander of the German Army's Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania, Brigadier General Christoph Huber, exits a Puma infantry fighting vehicle at the start of the "Freedom Shield 2026" exercise. The brigade's first combat exercise involves 2,900 soldiers from eight nations and 800 vehicles | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany’s new armoured brigade in Lithuania has completed its first live-fire exercise, bringing together nearly 3,000 troops and 800 vehicles from eight NATO nations as the alliance strengthens its eastern defences.

German-Dutch Corps to Lead NATO Baltic HQ

A Dutch soldier and a German soldier from the 1st German-Dutch Corps show off their patches | File Photo: Guido Kirchner/dpa

Germany and the Netherlands will jointly lead a new NATO command centre in Estonia from mid-2026. The headquarters will oversee exercises and help coordinate defence operations on NATO’s eastern flank.

German Brigade Holds First Major Lithuania Drill

The 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45) transporting vehicles for Exercise Freedom Shield | Photo: 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45)/Lithuanian Armed Forces

German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.

Germany Boosts NATO Role in Lithuania

German Parliament (Bundestag) President Julia Kloeckner is welcomed to the military base by Colonel Andre Hastenrath, Deputy Commander of Panzerbrigade 45 "Lithuania" (L), and Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian Hagen, Commander of the "Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania" on April 09, 2026, at RUkla in Lithuania | Photo: Alexander Welscher/dpa

Germany says its troop deployment in Lithuania shows commitment to NATO’s eastern flank. A new brigade aims to strengthen deterrence against Russia and reinforce security in the Baltic region.