This operation was part of Exercise Vanguard Merlin, a tactical drill organised by rotational U.S. forces in Europe. The scenario, co-developed by Lithuanian planners, the 603rd Air Operations Center, and U.S. bomber crews, focused on rehearsing airstrikes against ground-based targets and protecting allied forces in a simulated large-scale conflict. The 603rd Air Operations Center ensured mission precision by overseeing planning and coordination.
Lithuanian officer Lt Col Inga Wuerhes, serving with the U.S. Air Force, led operational coordination during the exercise. “This collaboration demonstrates the strength of NATO’s interoperability and highlights the readiness of Allied forces to operate seamlessly together,” noted the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The presence of U.S. B-52 bombers in Europe is a regular NATO practice, aimed at reinforcing Alliance commitments and deterring potential threats. Such exercises are integral to enhancing operational readiness and ensuring smooth integration with Allied nations.
For Lithuanian JTACs, training with advanced NATO technology offers critical opportunities for skill development and operational input into Allied missions. “Joint exercises with our partners enhance our capacity and ensure NATO’s collective security,” a Lithuanian military spokesperson emphasised.
