The Inspector General of Germany’s Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr, has called the military maneuvers taking place in Lithuania a signal of credible deterrence against potential threats to the country’s NATO allies.
He described the German maneuvers in Lithuania, dubbed Quadriga 2024, as the biggest for the country’s military in decades.
“The Baltic region and our engagement in Lithuania are the cornerstone of Germany’s contribution to the defense of NATO’s eastern flank. Just as the allies stood up for us during the Cold War, today we stand up for the security and freedom of our partners – on every square centimeter of the alliance’s territory,” Carsten Breuer, the Bundeswehr’s top officer, told dpa while visiting Vilnius.
On Wednesday, he plans to observe the final phase of the series of exercises in which German armored combat troops train the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
Parts of the 10th Armored Division are practicing live fire combat after deploying by sea, rail and in road convoys to Lithuanian military training areas.
Armored troops, artillery, engineers and medics also work together in the exercises. German troops are expected to demonstrate their willingness and ability to defend the alliance.
“The Quadriga exercise sends clear signals: a signal of deterrence to Russia. A signal of reliability to our allies, especially to Lithuania,” said Breuer.
“But also a signal to our German society: the Bundeswehr consistently follows the path to war preparedness. We understand. You can rely on us.”
