27.05.2025 20:00
Russia has launched a military exercise in the Baltic Sea, which serves as a 'show of force,' following the German army's decision to deploy a brigade in Lithuania. The exercise conducted by the Baltic Fleet involves more than 20 various warships, 25 aircraft and helicopters, around 70 military equipment, and approximately 3,000 soldiers.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that military exercises have begun in the Baltic Sea.
STRENGTHENING DEFENSE POTENTIAL
In a statement from the ministry, it was noted that the planned exercises conducted by the Baltic Fleet aim to strengthen defense potential.
MORE THAN 20 WARSHIPS, 25 AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS, 3 THOUSAND SOLDIERS...
The statement noted that units from the Moscow and Leningrad military districts also participated in the exercises, stating, "The exercises involve more than 20 various warships, 25 aircraft and helicopters, 70 military equipment, and approximately 3 thousand soldiers." No information was provided regarding the duration of the exercises.
GERMANY HAD DECIDED TO DEPLOY A BRIGADE IN LITHUANIA.
Russia's exercises come after the German army's decision to deploy a brigade in Lithuania. The German brigade is expected to be linked to NATO's multinational force, the Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania, in February 2026, with the number of German troops expected to increase to 1800. Germany aims to increase the number of soldiers in this brigade to 2000 by the summer of 2026.
It is stated that a brigade capacity of 5 thousand soldiers, which is considered NATO standard, could be deployed by the end of 2027, but this depends on Lithuania's ability to provide infrastructure and accommodation. The German troops deployed in Lithuania are seen as the first long-term deployment of German soldiers abroad since World War II.
The Baltic region country Lithuania is located between the Russian Kaliningrad territory and Belarus, which is considered an ally of the Kremlin administration.