In the coming days, significant military activity will unfold in Eastern Europe. From June 16 to 26, joint exercises named 'Gallant Boar 2026' will take place near the strategically vital Suwalki Corridor. Military personnel from Lithuania, Poland, and France will participate, with the primary goal of refining operational interoperability and scenarios for defending key border sections.
Who is participating in the maneuvers
On the Lithuanian side, an elite unit is being mobilized for the exercises: soldiers of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion, part of the 'Žemaitija' Infantry Brigade. They will operate in close coordination with units from the Polish and French armed forces. According to military sources, allies plan to conduct joint operations aimed at strengthening the region's defense capabilities.
Logistics and equipment movement
Preparations for the exercises have already begun. On Saturday, June 13, intense movement of military vehicles is expected on Lithuania's main highways. This is due to the large-scale redeployment of units to the exercise location. Residents and drivers should be prepared for possible traffic jams and changes in road conditions during this period.
Focus on the Suwalki Corridor
A separate block of the exercises will be dedicated to practicing the skills necessary to ensure the rapid and effective defense of the Suwalki Corridor. This narrow land strip connecting Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast with Belarus is considered one of NATO's most vulnerable points. Previously, Politico noted that in the event of a direct confrontation with the Alliance, this corridor could become one of the first targets for Russian forces, as it connects the Baltics with the rest of the bloc.
Infrastructure reinforcement
Activity in this region is not limited to exercises alone. In December 2025, Lithuania announced the creation of a new brigade-level training ground in the Suwalki Corridor area. This decision aims to strengthen defense on the border with Belarus. Furthermore, the country is doubling the size of the Tauragė training ground to accommodate heavy equipment and conduct brigade-level exercises. These steps indicate the Baltic states' long-term commitment to strengthening their military infrastructure.