Chief of Defence Major General Jonas Vytautas Zukas said that for quite some time now Lithuania focused on international exercises and foreign missions, whereas national exercises, such as Spring Wind (Pavasario Vejas), have not taken place. However, taking into account current developments around Lithuania, national rapid response forces will be trained.
"It will probably be the largest exercise in Lithuania with our Armed Forces' units participating and one of the largest even compared to international exercises. At the same time we will attempt to carry out partial mobilisation in one of Lithuania's regions, seeking to assess how the mobilisation system operates," said Maj Gen Zukas.
Talking about military training in general, the chief of defence noted that in this area Lithuanian Armed Forces intends to co-operate more actively with other power structures and paramilitary organisations – the State Border Guard Service, the Public Security Service, the VIP Protection Department and the Riflemen's Union.
According to Maj Gen Zukas, joint exercises and improvement of interoperability with the allies will remain an important part of Lithuania's military training next year.
