Overview
- Late October 2026 the Bundeswehr activated Mission Vigilant Owl to collect and jointly analyze radio and radar signals from Belarus and Russia from a base near Vilnius using a low three-digit German contingent.
- The primary unit on site is elements of Bataillon Elektronische Kampfführung 932 operating mobile systems such as the German Baumfalke and industry products like Lampe to locate enemy radars and communications.
- Officials emphasize VIGO is a reconnaissance mission and say German forces are not conducting offensive jamming, yet operators report short, repeated jamming attacks from across the border that briefly disrupt signal collection.
- Commanders and officials warn Russia holds a long-term lead in electronic warfare after 15–20 years of investment, prompting Germany to work with the Cyber Innovation Hub and private firms to move prototypes into mass production.
- The mission feeds NATO situational awareness through shared data with Lithuanian forces and is driving procurement and training changes that could affect how the alliance defends borders and protects critical civilian infrastructure.