Vyčio Skliautas 2026 Exercise to Test Lithuania’s Preparedness for Mobilisation
The largest annual exercise to test Lithuania’s National Mobilisation System, Vyčio Skliautas 2026 (Vytis Dome 2026), will take place from 25 September to 3 October. The exercise is organised by the National Crisis Management Centre and the Mobilisation and Civil Resistance Department under the Ministry of National Defence.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS. The exercise is being held for training purposes. The routine operations of state institutions, municipalities, organisations and service providers will continue without disruption, and everyday life across the country will carry on as usual. Residents do not need to take any additional action, unless institutions in a particular area provide advance information or instructions about specific exercise activities.
The exercise is intended to assess how effectively mobilisation management structures can be activated, how information and resources are managed and allocated, and how institutions work together. It will also test continuity of operations and the ability to maintain vital state functions in a rapidly changing security environment.
“Air defence and the protection of critical infrastructure remain a priority for all of us. But threats are complex, and our response to them must be coordinated and comprehensive. It is crucial to understand the full range of threats, prepare for them, have a common plan and ensure that the necessary capabilities are in place. This exercise is a test of the resilience of the entire system. It will help us assess our preparedness, identify gaps and address them,” says Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius.
Deputy Minister for National Defence Tomas Mikelkevičius said:
“Mobilisation is not simply about the preparedness of individual institutions – it is about the ability of the entire country to function as one system when circumstances become difficult, and decisions need to be made quickly. Vyčio Skliautas 2026 will give us a practical opportunity to test how civilian institutions, the military, municipalities, businesses and non-governmental organisations can coordinate their actions, share information and ensure the continuity of essential services. It is important to identify what is working well and where gaps remain. Once we have identified those gaps, we can take targeted steps to strengthen the country’s resilience and preparedness for a range of crises.”
Tabletop and live exercises
Vyčio Skliautas 2026 will combine tabletop exercises (TTX) with live exercises (LIVEX). Tabletop exercises will involve institutions working through simulated scenarios, making decisions and testing their management and coordination procedures. The LIVEX component will involve activating capabilities and carrying out pre-planned actions in practice.
Thought fictional, the exercise scenario draws on current threats, recent events, and the experience of other countries. It will simulate a gradual deterioration in the security situation, information and cyberattacks, disruptions to energy and communications, transport corridor disruptions, increased pressure on critical services, the need to evacuate residents, and chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats.
Participants will test their ability to operate with incomplete information and limited resources, maintain secure and alternative means of communication, balance civilian and defence needs, ensure the continuity of healthcare, social, energy, financial, transport, logistics and other essential services, and receive allied forces and international assistance. The State Mobilisation Operations Centre (VMOC) and Mobilisation Management Groups within civilian mobilisation institutions will be activated. Exercise participants will carry out mobilisation tasks assigned by the VMOC. This will involve both tabletop and live activities. The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also hold a joint tabletop exercise with Polish mobilisation experts.
Key LIVEX events and what residents can expect
26 September– Practical testing of population evacuation
The Fire and Rescue Department, together with municipalities and other partners, will test the full evacuation process in practice: warning and informing residents, gathering and registering them, organising their departure, coordinating movement through transit municipalities and receiving evacuees in destination municipalities.
The practical exercise will involve the municipalities of Švenčionys, Kazlų Rūda, Vilkaviškis, Tauragė, Pagėgiai and Ignalina, as well as the municipalities of Kaunas, Pakruojis, Telšiai and Anykščiai, which will receive evacuees. Other municipalities included in the plan will test the relevant procedures in their emergency operations centres.
Participants will test an app for registering evacuees, information sharing and coordination with military commandants. The Lithuanian Police will maintain public order, regulate traffic and control evacuation routes. Authorities will also test how civilian and military traffic can be separated and how alternative routes can be organised.
Only pre-registered volunteers will take part in the evacuation exercise. No other residents will be evacuated.
29 September – Testing inter-institutional cooperation and continuity of critical functions
Tabletop and live exercises will be held to assess preparedness to operate with limited reserve capacity, in the event of potential damage to critical infrastructure and increased pressure on state governance, transport, logistics and communications systems. Participants will set priorities, coordinate the allocation of limited resources and test the continuity of country’s critical functions.
Residents must know that the public warning and information system will be tested on 29 September. Sirens will be activated across the country, while warning messages will also be sent to mobile phones. This is a scheduled test, and the siren signal does not indicate a real emergency. More detailed information will be provided closer to the date of the test.
In Klaipėda District, authorities will test the readiness of forces responsible for protecting critical infrastructure against aerial threats, their ability to detect and neutralise such threats, and cooperation between the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service, the VIP Protection Service, the Lithuanian Police and other institutions.
Other exercise scenarios will test the arrival and reception of allied forces, coordination of military and civilian transport flows, and the delivery of priority cargo, humanitarian aid, medical supplies, fuel and other essential resources. Institutions will also test alternative communication channels in scenarios where regular communications are assumed to be disrupted.
3 October – Humanitarian camp at Lazdijai Hippodrome
From 9.00 to 17.00, a training humanitarian camp will be set up at the Lazdijai Hippodrome. The Fire and Rescue Department, Lazdijai District Municipality, non-governmental organisations and other partners will test arrangements for temporary accommodation, registration, food provision, emergency and healthcare assistance, logistics, public information and support for vulnerable groups.
Only pre-registered exercise participants and volunteers will use the camp. Residents will not need to go to the camp or change their usual routines.
What residents may see and hear
- In some exercise locations, warning sirens may be activated for training purposes and messages may be sent through the Public Warning and Information System.
- Residents may see vehicles and personnel from the emergency services, military, municipalities, and non-governmental organisations taking part in the exercise.
- Institutions will provide separate information about the exact locations and times of practical activities and any other details relevant to residents.
- If you hear sirens or receive a warning message, please remain calm, listen to the official information, and follow the instructions provided.
Any incidents or disruptions included in the exercise scenario are simulated. State institutions and service providers will continue their routine operations, and the exercise is not expected to affect everyday services for residents.
The test will involve the entire mobilisation system
The exercise will involve 14 ministries, the administrations of all 60 municipalities and entities under their authority, mobilisation-related economic entities, the State Mobilisation Operations Centre, emergency operations centres, the Lithuanian Armed Forces, as well as institutions and organisations responsible for security, law enforcement, border protection, customs, cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, transport, energy and other areas.
The Lithuanian Red Cross, Caritas Lithuania, the Food Bank, the Lithuanian Scouts, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the Order of Malta Relief Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, the Lithuanian Youth Council, the National NGO Coalition, the Lithuanian Disability Forum and the International Organization for Migration will also contribute to the practical activities and arranging assistance to residents.
Approximately 150 institutions, 3,000 civil servants, officials and municipal representatives, and approximately 1,000 volunteers are expected to take part in the exercise.