“We have to keep up the joint efforts all together to achieve yet another milestone – to build the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group into an effective joint force with the critical allied support in the air and at sea, that stands ready to deploy to exercises or respond to emergencies at no notice. That means we have challenging and, let’s hope, positively rewarding times ahead of us. I am certain that we will achieve these goals through collective efforts and continue sustaining peace and stability throughout this part of Europe,” Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis said at a NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania transfer of authority ceremony in Rukla on August 4. Lt Col Peer Papenbroock (German Armed Forces) took over from Lt Col Axel Niemann (German Armed Forces) as the commander of the 8th rotation of the NATO eFP BG Lithuania.
„ The 7th rotation of the NATO eFP Battle Group in Lithuania was unique because of the huge impact of the Corona virus during our time here. We faced an invisible enemy but with strict measures and self-discipline we were able to overcome this threat. We have completed the mission successfully and I am proud of that,” outgoing Commander Lt Col A. Niemann said. Minister of National Defence R. Karoblis presented him with the National Defence System Medal for Distinguished Service in recognition of his excellent performance in Lithuania. Lt Col A. Niemann also received a gift on behalf of the Chief of Defence of Lithuania.
“The NATO enhanced Forward Presence mission demonstrates Alliance solidarity, determination and ability to defend NATO population and territory against any possible aggression. Our aim is to preserve peace and prevent conflict – contributing to NATO’s overall deterrence and defence posture. My mission as the Commander the eFP Battle Group in Lithuania is to deliver credible deterrence based on our military capabilities, training and readiness,” the incoming NATO eFP BG Lithuania Commander said. 104th Panzer Battalion led by Lt Col P. Papenbroock will form the core of the 8th rotation of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group for the next six months again. The commander and the major part of his soldiers are well familiar with Lithuania and the assignment because they were the core of the 5th eFP rotation in 2018.
The transfer of authority ceremony was also attended by Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Maj Gen Gintautas Zenkevičius, Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Brig Gen Raimundas Vaikšnoras, Commander Multinational Division North East Maj Gen Krzysztof Motacki, and other guests.
The core of the multinationally formed group is provided by Germany, the unit also includes the French contingent which deployed back in July, as well as troops from the Netherlands, Norway, Czech Republic, Belgium, Iceland, and Luxembourg. The NATO eFP Battle Group is integrated into the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf under command of Colonel Mindaugas Petkevičius
The NATO eFP Battle Group comprises three tactical companies, combat support capabilities, one logistical supply company, military police, and paramedics, and has 700 vehicles at its disposition – battle tanks, armoured infantry fighting vehicles, wheeled armoured vehicles and armoured personnel carriers, and partly armoured trucks.
When the 8th rotation begins training, its companies and staff divisions will have joint exercises, live fire and training events in the military area, command post exercises to hone chain of command processes. The certification exercise this autumn will challenge the 8th rotation to show it is ready to defend the country and the Alliance: it will be the most important part of the training.
Deployment of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland was a historical decision taken by the NATO Heads of State and Government in July 2016: to step up allied presence by deploying battalion-sized battle groups as the NATO enhanced Forward Presence as of 2017. The capabilities are primarily a response to the Russian military aggression in Ukraine, and increase of Russia’s military potential and show or force in the region. The NATO eFP BGs ensure a high level of readiness and interoperability in the region.
Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis/MoD
