Lithuania begins major drill to test wartime mobilization

Lithuania launched its largest annual national mobilization exercise Friday to test how authorities would respond to a worsening security situation and shift to a wartime mobilization system, according to the Government Chancellery.

The Vytis Dome 2026 exercise will run through Oct. 3 and involve about 3,000 civil servants, officials, municipal representatives, businesses, and nongovernmental organizations, along with around 1,000 volunteers, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported.

Participants will work through scenarios involving disruptions to energy and communications systems, the arrival of allied forces and the need to maintain essential services and government operations.

Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania's National Crisis Management Center, said the exercise would test how state institutions maintain operations and prioritize decisions under pressure.

Authorities plan to test public warning systems on Sept. 29, including sirens, emergency messages to mobile phones, and the LT72 preparedness app.

The drills will also include civilian evacuations in Vilnius and municipalities near the Belarusian border under a simulated military incursion from Belarus.

In the Lazdijai district, the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union will hold a parallel exercise focused on protecting critical infrastructure, supporting local authorities, and maintaining public order.

Polish officials will observe the drills as part of an international cooperation component.