Overview
- About 2,900–3,000 troops and roughly 800 vehicles from eight NATO states are conducting the Freedom Shield exercise at the Pabrade training area in late May and June 2026 using laser-based hit simulation and vehicle and soldier sensors.
- German forces deployed Leopard main battle tanks and Puma infantry fighting vehicles and sent units from Panzerbataillon 203 and Panzergrenadierbataillon 122 to take part in the drills.
- The training mixes drones, mortars, artillery, attack helicopters and armored units to recreate modern battlefield conditions and to record simulated hits and casualties with integrated sensors.
- Lithuania is expanding camps, housing, schools and childcare at sites such as Rudninkai and Rukla to host the force as Germany works toward full operational capability for Panzerbrigade 45 around 2027 with about 4,800 personnel.
- German and Lithuanian officials present the exercise as a visible deterrent to Moscow and a reassurance to Baltic citizens, and the drills are set to become a twice-yearly event that could accelerate the remaining unit relocations and reshape local services and budgets.