Lithuania holds a “Lightning Strike” military exercise by simulating “green men” scenario in its new gas terminal, airport and other state companies or institutions. Chief of the Army says that Lithuania has to be ready to defend itself before NATO Allies arrive to help.
Lithuania holds a “Lightning Strike” military exercise by simulating “green men” scenario in its new gas terminal, airport and other state companies or institutions. Chief of the Army says that Lithuania has to be ready to defend itself before NATO Allies arrive to help.
The scenario is modelled on the last year's capture of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula by Russian soldiers in unmarked uniforms and civilian clothes, who came to be known as the “green men”, when Moscow initially denied their identity.
The drill called “Lightning Strike” will take place this week and will include some 3500 troops simulating a response to armed groups seizing local government buildings, weapon stockpiles, Palanga airport and liquefied gas terminal in Klaipėda.
Klaipėda is the first city where exercises were launched yesterday. It is the main Lithuanian port where a floating liquid natural gas terminal called “Independence” arrived last year. An explosion was simulated in a gas pipeline connected to the terminal, while guards dealt with "protesters" circling it in small boats.
The LNG terminal was constructed to free Lithuania from the need for Russian gas imports.
Later the exercises will move to centre of Kaišiadorys region and eastern part of Svenčionys. The simulation will include dealing with attacks on local government and police buildings. A state of war by President Decree will be implemented there.
It is the first military drills of such scale that include the coordination of all Lithuanian structures of force.
Following Crimea’s annexation by Russia, Lithuania increased its military spending and reintroduced conscription.
Shotlist
Two shots of LNG facility
Simulation of protesters-secret soldiers arriving near the LNG
Guards of LNG surround protesters-secret warriors
Shot of Chief of the Armed Forces J.V.Žukas in the centre
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
Major General JONAS VYTAUTAS ŽUKAS, Chief of Lithuanian Armed Forces:
This is a national exercise, and intended for the situation before NATO Allies arrive. In a time when Allies are still unable to help, we will have to act all together, in a coordinated way.
Military vehicles move through Klaipeda city
Soldiers are searching a block in Klaipeda city
People watching from one of the Klaipeda blocks
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
Lieutenant Colonel GIEDRIUS ANGLICKIS, Chief of the platoon taking part in exercises:
The most challenging are unforeseen incidents, which happen in a city. We have a reserve to act and we will act really fast to any incidents.
Helicopter in the air
Shots of soldiers and policemen coordinating their effort
