RAMSTEIN, Germany – Lithuania’s Armed Forces assisted by the Spanish Air Force F/A-18s deployed at Šiauliai Air Base for NATO Air Policing are conducting exercise Vigilant Falcon from May 6 to 15, testing cooperation of air and ground forces in air defence and base defence drills.
The main goal of exercise Vigilant Falcon 2024 is to prepare, plan and conduct defence operations across the Lithuanian Armed Forces
“The main goal of exercise Vigilant Falcon 2024 is to prepare, plan and conduct defence operations across the Lithuanian Armed Forces and our Allies,” said Lieutenant Colonel Algirdas Medeikis, Lithuanian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics who oversees exercise Vigilant Falcon 2024. “The exercise is designed to test the readiness and skills of our soldiers to successfully operate in various defense scenario and demonstrate we are mission ready,” he added.
Lithuania’s helicopters simulated air threats to military installations during exercise Vigilant Falcon 2024. Photo courtesy Lithuanian Air Force.
Spanish Air Force F/A-18s deployed at Šiauliai Air Base for NATO Air Policing were also involved in the Lithuanian exercise Vigilant Falcon. Archive photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
Lithuania's armed forces employed various air defence systems for surveillance of the airspace during exercise Vigilant Falcon. Photo courtesy Lithuanian Air Force.
The NASAMS surface based air defence system played a key role during the Vigilant Falcon base defence drills. Photo courtesy Lithuanian Air Force.
Among others, Lithuanian and Spanish aircraft simulated various ground and air threats challenging the Lithuanian Air Defence units who will have to interact in a battle environment.
The exercise takes place in the Kaunas and Šiauliai districts and covers a wide range of tasks, including the detention of individual intruders and the protection of airspace from threats posed by simulated enemy aircraft. A major pillar will be to further improve how Lithuania contributes to base defence and force protection of NATO installations in both districts.
“The essential highlights of the exercise are validating the air defence forces, strengthening air base defence tactics, techniques and procedures and challenging surveillance and airspace monitoring radar,” said Lieutenant Colonel Medeikis adding that soldiers use various air defence systems such as NASAMS, GROM, RBS-70 and Giraffe Mk-IV in responding to various air attack scenarios and threats.
Both active and reserve duty personnel participate in the exercise that enables them to improve their skills and gain experience in a realistic combat environment. Vigilant Falcon also includes activities at the Ordnance and Equipment Repair Depot, where Soldiers train to perform expeditious repairs in field conditions, particularly related to the NASAMS medium-range air defence system.
“During Vigilant Falcon, our soldiers demonstrate their readiness and combat skills, ensuring the safety of Lithuanian airspace and sending a clear message to potential aggressors,” said Lieutenant Colonel Medeikis. “Not only the Air Force, but also other organizations, such as the State Border Guard Service, the Lithuanian Rifle Association and the National Defense Volunteer Force, participate in the exercise which further improves coordinating actions and strengthens the country's defence capabilities,” he added.