Lithuanian Navy completes "Audros karys 2026" drills focused on surface warfare readiness
Lithuania’s Naval Flotilla has concluded the "Audros karys 2026" exercise series, aimed at strengthening warfighting and peacetime operational capabilities, including live-fire drills against surface targets and formation-based naval operations in adverse weather conditions.
In brief
The Lithuanian Navy completed the Audros karys 2026 exercise, covering firing at surface targets and ship operations in difficult Baltic Sea conditions. The training programme included firing with light shipboard weapons, automatic rifles and machine guns, as well as naval gunnery firing conducted from several ships in formation with assigned fire sectors. The commanding officer of the patrol ship P11 Žemaitis, Lieutenant Commander Giedrius Mikalauskas, noted that sleet did not interrupt the execution of the tasks.
According to the Lithuanian Navy, the exercise was designed to enhance crew readiness and validate operational performance across a spectrum of maritime threat scenarios relevant to the Baltic Sea security environment.
The training package included live-fire exercises using light weapons systems, including assault rifles and machine guns, as well as naval artillery firing. Both firing phases focused on engaging and neutralising surface targets.
- Live-fire drills were conducted using light weapons, including automatic rifles and machine guns, as well as naval artillery fire. During both firing phases, we concentrated on neutralising surface targets. Naturally, Lithuanian weather was not favourable — as firing commenced, we were hit by rain mixed with snow. However, this did not prevent mission execution, as we must remain prepared to operate in all weather conditions. The firing was carried out from multiple ships sailing in formation, each assigned its own firing perimeter, said Commander Lieutenant Giedrius Mikalauskas, commanding officer of patrol vessel P11 Žemaitis.
The navy highlighted adverse weather operations as a core component of the drills, reflecting the operational realities of Baltic maritime deployments.
"Audros karys 2026" forms part of Lithuania’s broader naval readiness cycle, supporting regional maritime security, protection of critical offshore infrastructure, and deterrence posture in the Baltic theatre.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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