German military exercise in Eastern Europe: the Bundeswehr tests its defence capabilities in Lithuania
By Rachel · 4 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
During the German military exercise ‘Ost-Europa 2026’ at Freedom Shield in Lithuania, around 2,900 Bundeswehr soldiers are testing their combat readiness – a signal to NATO’s eastern flank against Russian ambitions.
Key facts at a glance
- ‘Freedom Shield 2026’ exercise in Lithuania involving 2,900 German soldiers in July 2026
- First Bundeswehr deployments on Lithuanian soil as part of NATO’s eastern flank training
- Focus on drone defence, mud and shelling simulations
- Participation of Tank Brigade 45 and deployment of new equipment
- Poland, Latvia and Estonia as strategic partners in the NATO exercise
What is the German military exercise ‘Eastern Europe 2026’?
The German military exercise ‘Eastern Europe 2026’, officially known as ‘Freedom Shield 2026’, took place from 15 to 28 July 2026 at the Pabrade military training area in Lithuania. According to DerWesten.de, this is the first Bundeswehr unit to train on Lithuanian soil. Lithuania is considered strategically vulnerable as it lies between Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. A potential attack on the Baltic states would constitute a breach of the NATO Treaty.
Which soldiers and what equipment were deployed?
The exercise involved 2,900 Bundeswehr soldiers, including the newly formed 45th Armoured Brigade. Sergeant Major Philip led his troops through simulated combat scenarios. The soldiers tested strategies for dealing with drone attacks and challenging terrain. A laser-based training system recorded every hit. Drivers in Puma armoured personnel carriers struggled with sandy and marshy terrain. Twenty-year-old Fine, the only woman in the platoon, emphasised: “You shouldn’t make a bigger deal out of this than it is.”
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Exercise name | Freedom Shield 2026 |
| Location | Pabrade Military Training Area, Lithuania |
| Duration | 15–28 July 2026 |
| Participants | 2,900 Bundeswehr soldiers |
| Main unit | 45th Armoured Brigade |
What were the objectives of the military exercise?
According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, the exercise was intended to prepare for potential conflicts on NATO’s eastern flank. “In a real war, I’d be dead by now,” remarked platoon commander Philip after a simulated shelling exercise. Among other things, the Bundeswehr trained with new equipment for defending against drones and for navigating complex terrain. The deployment of Tank Brigade 45 marks a milestone in the development of the German army.
How does the exercise fit into NATO’s strategy?
The ‘Eastern Europe 2026’ military exercise is part of the NATO ‘Quadriga 2025’ series of exercises, which took place in August and September 2025 in Germany, along the eastern flank and in the Baltic Sea. According to TAG24, 8,000 German soldiers took part alongside 13 other nations. The aim was to test defence capabilities in crisis situations. The exercise demonstrated Germany’s determination to deter Russia, according to the Bundeswehr.
What challenges arose during the exercise?
Communication proved particularly challenging in the wooded area, where radio contact was suddenly lost. The soldiers had to wait for “fateful seconds” until signals were transmitted via alternative routes. They also tested their resilience to shelling and the efficiency of using drones for reconnaissance. The focus was on the combination of technical systems and human decision-making.
How did those involved react to the successes?
Commander Brigadier General Christoph Huber emphasised the importance of kamikaze drones: “Whatever we can detect, we also want to be able to destroy immediately.” The exercise demonstrated that the Bundeswehr is constantly improving its capabilities in dealing with modern threats. For Fine, who was inside the Puma armoured personnel carrier, the experience was proof of the role women play in the army: “You shouldn’t make a bigger deal of this than it is.”
Frequently asked questions
How many soldiers took part in the German military exercise ‘Eastern Europe 2026’?
According to DerWesten.de, around 2,900 Bundeswehr soldiers took part in the ‘Freedom Shield 2026’ exercise in Lithuania.
What equipment was used during the exercise?
The soldiers used tanks, drones, armoured personnel carriers and a laser-based training system. New equipment for countering drones was tested.
Why was Lithuania strategically important for the exercise?
Lithuania lies directly between Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. An attack on the Baltic states would constitute a breach of the NATO Treaty and symbolise Russian expansion.
How does the exercise fit into NATO’s strategy?
The ‘Eastern Europe 2026’ military exercise is part of the NATO ‘Quadriga 2025’ series of exercises, which took place in 2025 in Germany, along the eastern flank and in the Baltic Sea.
What role did women play in the exercise?
Fine, aged 20, was the only woman in the platoon. She emphasised that the role should not be made out to be bigger than it was.
Sources: DerWesten.de · TAG24. As at 25 October 2026.