NATO’s “Iron Wolf 2024-II” exercise underway: enhancing eastern flank defence

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office

Since October 7, the multinational military exercise "Iron Wolf 2024-II" had been underway in Lithuania, underscoring NATO's commitment to reinforcing its eastern flank against potential threats. The large-scale exercise, which ran until October 17, took place at the Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area, Pabradė, and involved a significant force of 3,200 soldiers from both Lithuania and allied nations, along with 700 pieces of military equipment.

 

This exercise was part of NATO’s ongoing effort to bolster its eastern defences, particularly by enhancing the capabilities of the Multinational Battlegroups, with the aim of transitioning them into full brigade-size formations. The upgrading process highlighted NATO’s focus on ensuring the alliance was equipped to meet modern defence challenges, especially along the strategically critical eastern front.

 

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‘Iron Wolf 2024-II’ was designed to test and strengthen the combat readiness of NATO forces through rigorous scenarios, focusing on 24-hour planning and execution of both offensive and defensive operations. Already in peacetime, NATO’s multinational battlegroup was integrated into the structure of the Lithuanian army and was part of the Iron Wolf Brigade stationed in Rukla near Kaunas. Its commander, Colonel Aurelijus Motiejūnas, emphasised that the exercise also involved combat support and logistics units and strengthened their interoperability. ‘This training ensured that our soldiers were prepared to conduct complex operations and could work seamlessly with allied forces in real combat scenarios,’ said Motiejūnas.

 

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Units that participated in the exercise included the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Infantry Battalion, Prince Vaidotas Infantry Battalion, General Romualdas Giedraitis Artillery Battalion, as well as elements of the Lithuanian Air Force, Military Police, and the Volunteer Forces. NATO allies from Belgium, the Czech Republic, the United States, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany also contributed forces. Together, these units engaged in simulated battlefield environments, enhanced by the use of live simulation ammunition and pyrotechnics for added realism.

 

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Held biannually, in both spring and autumn, “Iron Wolf” played a crucial role in validating the combat readiness of the battalions under the command of Lithuania’s Iron Wolf Infantry Brigade. The exercise also served as a platform for allied troops to improve their coordination and integration, critical for joint operations under NATO’s collective defence framework.

 

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By incorporating forces from multiple NATO members and testing a broad range of combat scenarios, “Iron Wolf 2024-II” not only strengthened Lithuania’s defence but also solidified NATO’s ability to protect its eastern flank in the face of potential adversaries. The ongoing process to upscale the Multinational Battlegroups into brigades further demonstrated the alliance’s resolve to scale up its deterrence posture and ensure rapid, effective response capabilities in the region.

 

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