The Republic of Iceland joined the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania as of March 16. A member of NATO without a regular army, Iceland assigned a civilian to serve at the NATO eFP Battle Group HQ in Rukla for the six months to come.
"I am thrilled to see the flag of Iceland flying alongside those of other countries in the NATO battalion in Lithuania. That stands as an example of bravery, respect of freedom, and solidarity of a small country, and it is unfading in the relations with Lithuania for the past 28 years," Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Mao General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras said as he welcomed the representative of Iceland.
Iceland is the only NATO member state that has the so-called "crisis response unit" instead of regular armed forces.
The NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle group deployed in Lithuania since February 2017 is led by Germany.
In 2017-2018 the NATO eFP Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania will be manned by Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, and the Netherlands, roughly 1,200 soldiers in total.
During peace time the NATO Battle Group trains in exercise alongside Lithuanian troops, while in case of crisis or conflict it would defence Lithuania alongside national forces and reinforcement from NATO allies.
The NATO eFP Battalion Battle Group is based in Rukla (Jonava district) and integrated into the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf. Soldiers of both units undergo a combat training cycle.
The NATO eFP Battalion Battle Group is comprised of a headquarters and a headquarters company, logistical support company, four combat companies, and various combat support units attached to it. The NATO unit can be reinforced depending on the need, e.g., in case of an exercise or a threat.
