Led by Multinational Corps Northeast, NATO’s primary land command in north-eastern Europe, Griffin Lightning 25 demonstrates the unit’s capability to coordinate complex ground operations across the Baltic Sea region. The exercise combines live-fire drills and command post simulations, testing the full spectrum of military operations and showcasing Multinational Corps Northeast’s proficiency as both a high-readiness Warfighting Headquarters and NATO’s Regional Response Corps.
Griffin Lighting 25 includes several integrated operations, such as Hedgehog in Estonia, Crystal Arrow in Latvia, Thunder Fortress in Lithuania and Brave Boar in Poland. 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 defence capabilities along its vital borders.
Additionally, Griffin Lightning 25 is supported by the German Air Aviation Brigade. With over 30 helicopters and more than 800 personnel, it is the largest deployment exercise involving German helicopter forces outside of Germany in decades.
Through Griffin Lightning 25 and its associated exercises, Multinational Corps Northeast demonstrates its persistent regional presence and unwavering commitment to the Allies in the North-east. As security dynamics continue to evolve, Multinational Corps Northeast remains at the forefront of NATO’s response—ready to lead, ready to defend.
Headquartered in Szczecin, Poland, Multinational Corps Northeast is
NATO’s first regionally-focused response corps, offering robust
warfighting capabilities. It is in charge of NATO ground troops already
deployed on the eastern flank of the Alliance, specifically in Estonia,
Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, including NATO’s Multinational Divisions
and Battlegroups. If need be, Multinational Corps Northeast is ready to
take over immediate command of NATO’s rapid reaction forces, should they
be deployed to the Baltic Sea region, ensuring the smooth execution of
all Alliance ground operations in north-eastern Europe.