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 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.
Russia has criticized the planned stationing of long-range US weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War, after German leaders said the step was necessary due to the increased threat posed by Russia to European security. “We are well on the way to a Cold War. This has all happened before,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
Both the ships are expected to be launched later this year, followed by their outfitting at Yantar Shipyard, which is expected take 36 months.
The Trikand is the 2nd-last foreign surface ship acquisition by the Indian Navy. The induction of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (nee Admiral Gorshkov) will be the last surface ship acquired by the Indian Navy from abroad.
