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NATO forces showcased their military prowess and unity through one of its most complex exercises to date, Griffin Lightning 25. Spanning four frontline nations, the exercise demonstrated high-readiness capabilities and unified defense along the eastern flank.

Spearheaded by Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), the exercise took place from May 12 to 23. The large-scale operation focused on enhancing NATO’s readiness, deterrence posture, and regional defense capabilities at a time of heightened security concerns in Europe.

Multinational Corps Northeast, which is headquartered in Szczecin, Poland, led the charge for NATO’s land forces in the north-eastern region of the Alliance. More than 26,000 troops from across NATO member states participated in Griffin Lightning 25.

“Through Griffin Lightning 25 and its associated exercises, Multinational Corps Northeast demonstrates its persistent regional presence and unwavering commitment to the Allies in the Northeast,” MNC NE said in a statement.

This year’s Griffin Lightning exercise combined live-fire drills, command post simulations, and cross-border coordination. the exercise sought to replicate high-intensity combat conditions across the strategically vital Baltic Sea region. From the forests of Estonia to the plains of Poland, the interconnected maneuvers simulate a seamless, multi-domain defense.

In #NATO Exercise #GriffinLightning 2025 in Lithuania 🇱🇹, #Bundeswehr Tiger attack helicopters are showing how important they are for national and collective defence. Drones will not replace such aircraft in the future, but will be used alongside them. pic.twitter.com/3Gy16feILF

— Germany at NATO (@GermanyNATO) May 15, 2025

A unified response

Griffin Lightning 25 was conducted through multiple events and a web of integrated operations that span four frontline NATO states:

• Hedgehog in Estonia
• Crystal Arrow in Latvia
• Thunder Fortress in Lithuania
• Brave Boar in Poland

These exercises were tailored to specific national environments while testing NATO’s ability to operate under a unified command structure. Each sub-exercise presented unique tactical challenges designed to push participating forces to innovate and adapt in real time.

“They are designed to enhance interoperability and tactical coordination among the participating troops. These exercises allow for the testing of new tactics and technologies, further strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities along its vital borders,” the statement added.

One of the standout components of Griffin Lightning 25 is the robust air support provided by the German Air Aviation Brigade. Bringing over 30 helicopters and 800 personnel, this marks the largest German helicopter deployment outside of the country in recent decades, highlighting Berlin’s growing military role within the Alliance.

Uncertain security landscape

The military drills came against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical instability. With ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine and growing concerns about hybrid threats, ranging from cyberattacks to disinformation campaigns, NATO is recalibrating its strategy to respond rapidly to emerging crises.

“As security dynamics continue to evolve, Multinational Corps Northeast remains at the forefront of NATO’s response, ready to lead, ready to defend,” MNC NE added.

Griffin Lightning 25 not only displayed the MNC NE’s proficiency in coordinating land operations but also reaffirmed its dual role: acting as both a high-readiness Warfighting Headquarters and NATO’s Regional Response Corps. This dual-hatted mission enables the Corps to immediately assume command of NATO’s rapid reaction forces, should the need arise, especially in the Baltic Sea region, a strategic area vulnerable to escalation.

The drills also allowed for realistic testing of new technologies and tactical doctrines, particularly those related to integrated air-land operations, countering hybrid warfare, and defending against large-scale conventional threats. Importantly, it allowed the forces from different countries to train together under common command procedures—something that’s crucial for real-world operational success.

Commanding from the frontline

Established as NATO’s first regionally-focused response corps, MNC NE holds the command responsibility for NATO ground forces already deployed along the eastern flank, including Multinational Divisions and Battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Its unique positioning in Szczecin ensures proximity to the frontlines, allowing for rapid coordination and real-time decision-making.

NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in the region is a crucial component of its broader deterrence architecture, with battlegroups led by framework nations like the UK, Canada, Germany, and the US. The seamless integration of these units into Griffin Lightning demonstrates the operational maturity of NATO’s forward-deployed posture.

Exercise #CrystalArrow 2025 is underway in Latvia’s Vidzeme region. 🇱🇻
Over 3,000 troops and 1,200 vehicles from Latvia and Allied forces are training in:
⚔️ Tactical manoeuvres
🧠 Deep battle planning
🚁 Indirect & close air support

Part of #GriffinLightning 25, strengthening… pic.twitter.com/47CokJ1Slw

— NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum – JFCBS (@NATOJFCBS) May 9, 2025

As Griffin Lightning 25 draws to a close, NATO’s message to any potential aggressor is clear: the Alliance is unified, capable, and ready. The success of the exercise not only lies in its scale but in its seamless coordination, proving that NATO’s strategic vision of collective defense is not just theoretical but actionable.