"Freedom Shield 2026" Exercise by the 45th Tank Brigade, Lithuania

dpatop - 12 June 2026, Lithuania, Pabrade: Bundeswehr soldier Marcus stands next to a Fuchs armored personnel carrier in front of the makeshift drone defense cage he designed and built during the "Freedom Shield 2026" combat exercise in Lithuania. The exercise series is the first brigade-level combat exercise for the large formation and the combat units under its command. A total of 2,900 soldiers from eight nations are participating with 800 vehicles, and they are also being confronted with new threat scenarios. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa (Photo by Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images)