NATO’s Air Mobility and deterrence capabilities on full display during Exercise GRIFFIN LIGHTNING

NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum

May 16 2025

Brunssum, The Netherlands — Under JFCBS’s operational authority, the German Aviation Brigade is executing a major multinational deployment across the Baltic region, significantly enhancing NATO’s ability to deter and defend in real time. With more than 800 personnel and over 30 helicopters deployed, this brigade is conducting operations from Lithuania into Latvia, Estonia, and Poland—demonstrating speed, scale, and Allied integration.

Activated on 1 January 2025, the Aviation Brigade represents a new model of German joint capability. Drawing from both the Army and Air Force, the brigade brings together Tiger attack helicopters, NH90 and CH-53 transport platforms, and dedicated aeromedical evacuation aircraft into a single, mission-ready formation of approximately 2,500 troops.

The brigade’s mission in Griffin Lightning includes combat support, troop and equipment transport, forward casualty evacuation, and air mobility for multinational forces deployed in coordination with NATO’s Multinational Corps Northeast. The exercise, running from 5 to 23 May 2025, is supported by robust cyber, signals, and security components, ensuring seamless interoperability across domains.

This deployment also displays NATO’s growing ability to coordinate joint operational effects across borders. German helicopters are executing missions from a temporary airbase in Panevėžys, Lithuania—constructed in the months leading up to the exercise—and operating seamlessly across national boundaries in support of Allied formations.

The Aviation Brigade’s readiness reflects months of preparation and is part of Germany’s broader commitment to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. Since 2017, Germany has led the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Lithuania. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Berlin further expanded its contribution, pledging a permanently stationed mechanized brigade. The deployment of aviation forces adds critical depth and agility to this presence.

Executed in the operational area of JFCBS, Griffin Lightning strengthens Alliance cohesion, builds interoperability, and demonstrates the ability to project force rapidly and effectively across NATO territory. It sends a clear and unambiguous message: NATO remains united, prepared, and capable of defending every inch of Allied territory.

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office