The two week NATO exercise Iron Wolf 2023 has begun in Lithuania, signaling a substantial display of allied readiness and interoperability. Lithuanian audiences were informed by the national broadcaster LRT, which documented the kickoff and underscored the scale of the operation. The event stands as a clear marker of continued cooperation among NATO members and partners, reinforcing commitments to collective defense and practical defense planning in the Baltic region.
Approximately 3,500 personnel and around 600 pieces of military equipment are slated to participate, drawing teams from Lithuania and a broad array of partner nations. Countries contributing forces include Belgium, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Luxembourg, Poland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The participation of these nations highlights a broad coalition capable of executing complex maneuvers across varied terrains and urban environments, with objectives that emphasize both rapid deployment and sustained operational capability.
During the exercise, the NATO Advanced Asset Combat Group and the Vaidotas Infantry Battalion of the Lithuanian Armed Forces will take part in a series of offensive and defensive operations. The scenario design aims to test combined arms integration, command and control under pressure, and the ability to adapt tactics to evolving battlefield conditions. Units will coordinate fire support, maneuver, and protection techniques, while maintaining strict safety and legal compliance throughout the exercise cycle.
The main phase of Iron Wolf 2023 is concentrated at the Gaižiūnai training ground, located in the Jonava region of Lithuania. This facility provides a controlled environment for extensive live and simulated training events, enabling real-time feedback and lessons learned that can be rapidly translated into doctrine and standard operating procedures. While the exercises emphasize realistic combat dynamics, safety remains a paramount consideration, with all activities conducted under rigorous supervision and adherence to established safety protocols.
In addition to the primary range activities, portions of the training will take place in residential areas to mirror potential real-world scenarios. Residents in the Ukmergė, Jonava, Kaišiadorys, and Kedainiai regions will have opportunities to observe troop movements and equipment in motion from a safe distance. This visibility serves to foster transparency, reassure local communities, and showcase the meticulous planning that goes into balancing training requirements with civilian safety and daily life.
Past iterations of this exercise have demonstrated the enduring value of regular, multinational drills. In 2019 the event drew nearly 4,000 service members and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment from 11 NATO countries, reflecting a sustained commitment to ensuring alliance readiness. Iron Wolf is organized annually by the Lithuanian Iron Wolf Infantry Brigade, with a clear mandate to assess unit cohesion, verify interoperability, and synchronize standard operating procedures across diverse national forces. By continually refining collective capabilities, the exercise supports both regional security objectives and broader NATO defense plans in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape.