Media representatives are invited to cover presentation of equipment brought to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group by the French Tactical Component at Rukla on July 23. The troops and equipment are deployed from the 5th Dragoon Regiment located in Mailly le Camp and equipped with the best assets in the French Army, a battalion well-adapted with the relevant knowledge to conduct the training period within the NATO eFP Lithuania. Like all the other eFP contingents, the French soldiers brought their combat, logistical and administrative equipment. The maneuver unit will be serving with Leclerc main battle tanks and VBCI infantry fighting vehicles.
This is the fourth contingent that France deploys to contribute to the implementation the NATO deterrence and defence measures in the Baltic states (three in Lithuania and one in Estonia since 2017). The French contingent is composed of nearly 300 soldiers, roughly 200 of them as a mechanized infantry company, and 100 soldiers will manage logistic and administration affairs. The French troops will serve as one of the NATO eFP maneuver companies, in combat support units, and in the NATO eFP Lithuania HQ.
The NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania has the total strength of over 1,200 soldiers. The incoming French troops replaced Croatian colleagues.
For the Media:
Media representatives will have two opportunities at the presentation of French equipment in Rukla on July 23:
10.40 – 12.30 Presentation of the French detachment to Ambassador of France in Lithuania HE Claire Lignières-Counathe, interview opportunity with the French troops.
13.30 –15.00 presentation of the tactical capability of the French detachment.
Media representatives wishing to cover the event in Rukla on July 23 are invited to register by e-mail until 18.00 of July 22 at [email protected] , or by phone at +370 657 48397 (please give your name and surname, media outlet, contacts – cell phone no., e-mail address). Registered media representatives should arrive at the Training Regiment (Rukla, Jonava region) on July 23 before 10.40 or 13.20.
Freelance reporters and foreign media representatives will need accreditation given by the MoD Strategic Communication and Public Relations Department, e-mail: [email protected]. Information required: filled out questionnaire form, copies of a personal ID document and confirmation letter from the media outlet.
Photo: MoD archive
