The 1st Lithuanian Division has been certified for initial operationally capable, an important combat readiness step. The certification was earned by the Division Headquarters Staff at the U.S.-organised combat readiness drills Warfighter 26-3 in Germany. The command staff and elements of the 1st Division have been certified as capable of planning and executing operations independently and with the Allies.
Warfighter 26-3 was a high-intensity training to assess unit ability to act in a large-scale combat operational environment. For a month in March the 1st Division was training as part of the U.S. Army V Corps and other Allied units to plan and execute division-level defensive operations, built command and control capability and refined standard operating procedures.
“Exercise Warfighter have clearly demonstrated that the 1st Lithuanian Armed Forces Division in on the right path – we are not just ready to act with our Allies but also to strengthen our combat capability effectively by means of integrating advanced technological solutions. The reached Initial Operational Capability is a milestone that underlines the meaning of a year worth of effort,” said Division Commander Brigadier General Aurelijus Alasauskas.
The exercise trained and assessed abilities of situational awareness, target identification and distribution, planning of logistical provision and information exchange between units in Division command and assigned units. The exercise particularly focused on operational effectiveness in case of losses undermining capability, the key requirement for modern combat operations.
As a result of the certification, in early April the Division will officially subordinate Infantry Brigades Iron Wolf and Griffin with auxiliary units and receive the 1st Division unit colours. Work will continue towards Full Operational Capability through strengthening of personnel, manning and provision.
The 1st Lithuanian armed Forces Division re-established in 2025 is the key Land Force formation comprising the Iron Wolf, Griffin and Aukštaitija (reserve) Brigades, as well as other combat support units. The Division is developed to become a cornerstone in Lithuania’s and NATO collective defence in the region.
