Lithuania was represented by the Col Juozas Vitkus Engineer Battalion CBRN Protection Company troops in the largest EU Exercise MILEX’25 conducted by the multinational Eurocorps Forward Headquarters in Hungary. The exercise is a part of a European Union Battle Group (EUBG) standby cycle and trains rapid response.
The exercise was attended by 900 military personnel from Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. The CBRN Company, Col Juozas Vitkus Engineer Battalion, were responsible for military and civilian personnel and equipment decontamination, ensure support to the German company and CBRN reconnaissance tasks. It was an excellent opportunity for Company personnel who only entered the standby for the EUBG this year to showcase their equipment and test trial integration of own capabilities with those of the Allies in a threat scenario.
“The FMD is on the rise in Central Europe, including Hungary, also, Slovakia, with outbreak points multiplying. The process is fasts as the diseases spreads through humans, animals or vehicles crossing the infected areas. Thus, realistic experience of CRBN decontamination and prevention of the virus spread was particularly valuable to the company members and might become decisive when facing challenges in the future,” said Company Leader Capt Martynas Žukovas.
One of the tasks for the Lithuanians, namely, decontamination of individuals, equipment and vehicles to prevent the spread of the foot-and-mouth decease, was much more real-life rather than simulated.
Exercise MILEX’25 was building defensive capabilities, advancing the EU Strategic Compass approved in 2022, assessing the rapid response and coordination of the participating member states and improving effectiveness of future international operations.
Info credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
Photo: related image
