Combat firing from the HIMARS systems is one of the parts of the international exercise “Immediate Response 2024”, when a reactive salvo fire system was deployed to Lithuania from the USA. These exercises focus on the strategic deployment of forces, the use of pre-deployed military reserves and interactions with partners and allies.
“Exercises with the US army, constant presence in forward positions are very important in order to create a reliable deterrent against any thought of aggression against Lithuania or the Alliance,” said the commander of the Lithuanian army, gen. Valdemaras Rupšys.
Photo by Ieva Budzeikaitė/Combat shooting exercises
The missiles of the jet salvo fire system flew over the Curonian Lagoon and the Curonian Spit and fell into the Baltic Sea at a distance of about 15 km from the place of the shot. The announcement and control of the danger zone in the Baltic Sea was ensured by the Navy’s “Vidar” class headquarters and supply ship N42 “Jotvingis” and patrol ships P12 “Dzūkas” and P14 “Aukštaitis”, and on land by the Military Police. During the combat shootings, traffic in the Curonian Spit, shipping, airspace, as well as access to Kairaiu Polygon were restricted.
for Lithuania in 2022 after the signing of the contract for the purchase of HIMARS reactive salvo fire systems, preparations for the integration of the systems into the structure of the Lithuanian Armed Forces began.
According to the HIMARS acquisition contract, 8 launchers with ammunition will be purchased for the Lithuanian army, which will consist of sets of guided missiles of different types and combat characteristics, including ATACMS systems with an effective range of 300 km. This system will be integrated in coordination with allies, especially with neighboring countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Poland. The first deliveries of HIMARS are scheduled for 2025.
Photo by Ieva Budzeikaitė/Combat shooting exercises
The US European Command (USEUCOM), US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) organized and corps-led global exercise “Immediate Response 2024” taking place on May 6-14 is being held in the countries of NATO’s northern and eastern wings.
Almost 13 thousand people participate in the exercise. soldiers from 16 different countries. These exercises are part of the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War, Steadfast Defender 24, in which more than 90,000 soldiers are participating. soldiers from 32 allied countries.
