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SZCZECIN, Poland — As Griffin Lightning 25, Multinational Corps North East's (MNC NE) largest annual exercise, unfolds across the northeastern flank of NATO, senior Corps leadership is actively engaging with deployed forces to assess readiness, integration and operational cohesion. Major General Brian Nissen, Deputy Commander MNC NE, recently conducted a battlefield circulation through Latvia and Estonia, where he met with multinational units participating in the exercise.

MG Nissen inspects MNC NE troops during exercise Griffin Lightning 25 © WO2 Fredslund

The exercise series, collectively known as Griffin Lightning, encompasses a range of coordinated NATO training events across the MNC NE area of operations. Most recently, this included exercise Crystal Arrow in Latvia and the ongoing exercise Hedgehog 25 in Estonia.

Ensuring our formations are ready for combat remains our priority,

Major General Nissen stated. “Our units are rapidly evolving in response to modern threats—drawing valuable lessons from Ukraine—and they are demonstrating innovation, adaptability and resilience.”

In Latvia, the General visited elements of Multinational Division North and one of its subordinate brigades. In Estonia, where Exercise Hedgehog 25 continues through late May, he engaged with leadership and troops from the Estonian Division. The division’s training audience includes two Estonian brigades, the British Army’s 4th Brigade, and a Swedish battalion serving within Multinational Brigade Latvia.

Observing these exercises first-hand provided clear evidence of our growing interoperability, said Nissen. Whether in command structures, procedures, or on the ground between soldiers, we are seeing effective integration of our forces.

The Griffin Lightning series represents a comprehensive test of the MNC NE caability to lead and synchronize multinational ground operations in complex, high-threat environments. It serves as a cornerstone of NATO’s collective defense posture, demonstrating unity, deterrence and preparedness on the eastern flank.