Just a few kilometres from the Belarusian border, thousands of NATO troops are focused on one objective: defending Alliance territory in Lithuania. For around six weeks, nearly 3,000 troops – most of them from the German military – trained at Pabradė, using drones, electronic warfare, heavy armour, artillery, infantry, helicopters and fighter jets to practise defending NATO territory against what the military describes as a "conventional aggressor".
A major part of Exercise Freedom Shield I is Germany’s 45th Armoured Brigade, also known as the Lithuania Brigade. More than three years ago, Germany decided to permanently station around 4,800 troops in Lithuania by the end of 2027. Spread across two locations, the brigade will comprise five battalions.
Its purpose: to deter Russia.
But who are the men and women who have chosen to leave Germany and help defend NATO's eastern flank? Euronews accompanied two soldiers from Tank Battalion 203 in Augustdorf, which is due to relocate to Lithuania by the end of 2027.
Corporal Kevin, a driver known as "Rogi", has signed up to serve in the brigade until the end of 2029. Tank commander Staff Sergeant Kevin has volunteered for six years in Lithuania.
