Czech service members of the Multifunctional Chemical Defence Company performed sampling, identification, decontamination, and other tasks during the Iron Fortress exercise held in the Gaiziunai training area, Lithuania, from March 18-28. It was the first of a range of exercises attended by the CBRN defence specialists of the Czech Armed Forces’ 5th Task Force MNBG Lithuania.
The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defence specialists homebased in Liberec handled the protection against CBRN weapons: “Our mission was to ensure complex protection against WMD and effectively respond to potential chemical, biological, or radiological threats. Training in such challenging conditions gave us the opportunity to prove our skills and readiness in real environment where every moment is critical. The cooperation with other NATO nations was key to the successful fulfilment of our tasks.”
Apart from the Czech personnel, the exercise trained the German, Dutch, Norwegian, Belgian, Luxemburgish, and Croatian forces, which comprise the Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania. The exercise objective was to prepare the personnel for the Iron Wolf combat readiness evaluation that focuses on the strengthening of the defence capability and interoperability among NATO forces.
“The 2025 Iron Fortress exercise showed the criticality of readiness, reliability, and resolve of all the contributing nations. The cooperation of different NATO nations’ armed forces is key to the success of modern military defence which requires both high standards of technical and tactical skills as well as mutual trust and coordination,” underscored CAPT M. M., commander of the Czech Multifunctional Chemical Defence Company in Lithuania.
Beside the regular exercises, the service members continuously participate in securing the area, with their presence strengthening NATO’s defence posture.
“It was not just an exercise but a fundamental part of international military cooperation which reinforces the security and stability of the region. The armed forces cooperation and training in real conditions are necessary to ensure effective defence against complex threats. Exercises such as the Iron Fortress show the power of teamwork and readiness of all the participating nations facing the challenges of modern military conflicts together,” concluded the commander of the 5th Task Force, MAJ David Izing.
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