Home  /  Newsroom  /  News  /  2021  /  Czech air defence unit prepares to reinforce NATO eFP Battle Group in Lithuania

SZCZECIN, Poland - As part of the Czech-led multinational exercise Ample Strike 2021 (6-19 September), soldiers from the Strakonice-based 25th Air Defence Missile Regiment refined their camouflage techniques and other military skills ahead of deployment to Lithuania with NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP).

It  is  well  known that camouflage is an important survivability technique for battlefield platforms, installations and personnel. Conducted on the Boletice range, the training served as an opportunity for the soldiers to maintain low detectability in a changing  environment. Additionally, the air defence troops tested their equipment and weapons including the RBS 70 short-range air defence laser guided missile system.

The exercise participants mastered all of the necessary skills in order to effectively provide warning, detection and protection from aerial attack, missile attack and aerial surveillance. In January 2022, they will replace their fellow countrymen currently serving with the NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania and form a new Czech contingent within the German-led battalion. Capabilities deployed by NATO Allies and partners to key locations in the Baltic Sea region sharpen Multinational Corps Northeast's tactical edge.

Czech soldiers perfect their camouflage techniques / Photo by CPT Jana Samcová (Czech Army)

Czech soldiers operate the RBS 70 short-range air defence laser guided missile system / Photo by CPT T.K. (Czech Army)

A Czech soldier practices identifying and hitting targets at night / Photo by SGT M.M. (Czech Army)