Tag: Freedom Shield 2026

Germany May Mandate Lithuania Brigade Duty

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has pledged that Germany's armoured brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational with 4,800 soldiers by the end of 2027, saying he would compel troops to serve on NATO's eastern flank if not enough volunteers came forward in specialist areas | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany says its new brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational by 2027. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said most troops are expected to volunteer, but compulsory assignments may be used to fill specialist roles.

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.