As part of the enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA), selected elements of the German 21st Armoured Brigade (Panzerbrigade 21) relocated from Rotenburg, Germany, to the Pabradé military training area. The Grand Eagle exercise saw the participation of over 1,000 troops from three nations, including German and Lithuanian mechanised infantry and Czech artillerymen from the 4th Task Force with their self-propelled howitzers, the vz. 77 Dana.
During the exercise, the Czech artillery unit provided indirect fire support to the German 91st Mechanised Battalion as they practised defensive tactics using terrain obstacles and explosive barriers. A key component of the exercise involved defending a crossing over the Bevara River, which tested not only the tactical skills of the soldiers but also their language proficiency, as all communication with allies was conducted in English. The troops also had to navigate challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, as noted by Major Roman Buldra, the task force commander.
The returning soldiers shared positive feedback about their first two months of deployment. According to Sergeant P.K., the unit particularly valued the opportunity to work with foreign colleagues and improve their language skills. The performance of the Czech Dana howitzers was highlighted as a key success, demonstrating their effectiveness and reliability in providing crucial fire support under difficult conditions.
