Gallant Boar 2026: Strengthening the Baltic land bridge

The manoeuvres will last 10 days, from June 16 to June 26. According to a statement from the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the exercises will involve soldiers from the Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion, which belongs to the „Samogitia” Infantry Brigade.

The General Command of the Armed Forces announced that 6,500 Polish soldiers will participate in the exercises, including members of the 16th Mechanised Division. K2 tanks and Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles will be utilised.

The primary objective of the exercises will be to improve the interoperability of allied forces, conduct joint military operations, and synchronise activities between the armed forces of NATO member states. Soldiers participating in the manoeuvres will also develop the capabilities necessary for the rapid and effective defence of the Gap. Particular emphasis is to be placed on testing modern drone systems and implementing anti-drone procedures. Procedures related to the survivability and mobility of troops in difficult terrain will also be tested.

The Suwalki Gap encompasses the northeastern territories of Poland and the southwestern areas of Lithuania. It is the only land link between the Baltic states and the rest of NATO. It separates Kaliningrad from the territory of Belarus, an ally of the Russian Federation. Given Moscow’s aggressive policy, this region is considered one of the most important strategic points in Europe.