Overview
- The Panzerbrigade 45 is conducting the exercise “Freedom Shield 2026” in Pabradė with about 2,900 troops and roughly 800 vehicles as a test of combined arms and new systems.
- Lithuanian authorities say base construction, housing and logistics for the German brigade are running ahead of schedule, with the first phase reported roughly ten months early.
- Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he may order compulsory transfers if voluntary recruits fall short, a stance he voiced during visits and interviews on Monday.
- The Bundestag’s Wehrbeauftragter Henning Otte on Wednesday demanded quick, clear rules that guarantee planability, care and fair compensation for any mandatory moves.
- Officials warn that shortfalls will likely be in specialist roles such as IT, logistics and ABC defence, which could strain home garrisons, affect families relocated to Lithuania, and test Germany’s ability to meet full readiness by end-2027.