The soldiers completed intensive courses in Germany in 2025, training as tank commanders, gunners, loaders and drivers. They are now able to serve as instructors and help train tank crews in Lithuania.
The brigade is building that expertise before new combat platforms arrive. Its personnel worked closely with Germany’s Panzerlehrbataillon 93 during training, gaining practical knowledge from the German unit.
“The Iron Wolf Brigade’s longstanding cooperation with German Army units, which began in 2017 with the deployment of the first NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup to Lithuania, has created an excellent environment and opportunities to smoothly develop a tank battalion capability within the brigade and, together with partners, conduct high-quality personnel training even before new combat platforms arrive in the brigade. The German Army’s extensive experience and expertise in developing mechanised and armoured units and their tactical employment are particularly important for the Iron Wolf Brigade’s transformation from an infantry brigade into a heavy brigade,” said Colonel Darius Meilūnas, commander of the Iron Wolf Infantry Brigade.
The Pabradė firing follows the crews’ theoretical and practical instruction in Germany. Their qualification to train others allows the brigade to use that experience to develop its tank personnel at home.
The Lithuanian Army said cooperation with German forces had strengthened professional skills and interoperability with allies. It described the live firing as a step towards improving combat capability and preparing soldiers to operate modern equipment.
