Iron Wolf 2026, a two-week Field Training Exercise of the Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, has concluded. Readiness of Brigade units to execute the armed state defence plans, integrate advanced technologies and ensure interoperability with NATO Allies and civilian institutions have been trained and evaluated.
The Exercise field-tested the latest technology developed by the Lithuanian defence industry: over 150 reconnaissance and strike drones were pooled together with industry representatives to rehearse planning of defensive and offensive actions, logistical site protection using drones, drone pilot skills improvement, and to learn that camouflage and hiding from uncrewed systems is as important life-saving skills as operating a drone. Contribution of a Ukrainian drone manufacturer and tester with insights and experience on the ground was a significant highlight of the Exercise.
“Integration of modern technology in the execution of military operations is crucial, however, we cannot overlook basic warfare elements. Drones and latest technologies do not alter the fundaments of warfare, they only magnify the possible impact and allow to execute and take the victory quicker, more effectively, more safely and with fewer losses. The basis tactical principles written in soldiers’ blood – discipline, leadership, fire and movement, engineer and medical training – none of them have disappeared from the modern warfare, while their importance have expanded in technology-dominated battlefield,” said Commander of the Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf Colonel Darius Meilūnas.
Another important aspect of the Exercise was collaboration with the partners outside of the military. Representatives of the State Border Guard Service, Public Security Service, Jonava Region Municipality, Jonava City, Kaišiadorys and Kaunas hospitals, Jonava Region Police Department and Lithuanian National Broadcaster LRT joined the Exercise actively alongside the military personnel, tested and corrected joint emergency response procedures and algorithms. A significant part of procedure testing and knowledge and expertise exchange concerned organisation of evacuation and safe escort of civilians, requisition of specialised equipment, planning and organisation of territorial defence unit activity, military casualty evacuation to tertiary care facilities, informing the public in line with operational security requirements.
The Exercise took place in the Gaižiūnai Training Area, territories of Kaunas, Kaišiadorys, Elektrėnai and Jonava regions, training over 2700 military personnel. Over 390 tactical vehicles were used for Exercise tasks supported by helicopters of the Lithuanian Air Force. Part of the equipment was moved to the required location by the Lithuanian Railway. Exercise tasks were executed by Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf Command Companies, Algirdas Infantry Battalion, King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion and Jokūbas Jasinskis Logistic Battalion alongside unis of the NATO Multinational Battle Group and Allies from Poland and the United Kingdom. Volunteers of the National Defence Volunteer Force, riflemen of the Lithuanian Riflemen Union, active reserve members, Jonava Region War Commandant, MD Jonas Basanavičius Military Medical Service and the Red Cross were integrated in the training. Unified communications and tactical procedures support the ability to respond to crises quickly and in a coordinated manner thus ensuring effective delivery on state defence objectives.
Photo credit: Lithuanian Armed Forces.
