Lithuania’s Defence Training: More than 500 members of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union completed a two-month course using U.S. small-unit tactics, with American instructors also having trained Ukrainian special forces. NATO Presence in the Baltics: Germany is preparing a permanent armoured brigade in Lithuania and says some roles could require conscription if volunteers fall short, with specialized shortages flagged. Ukraine Support: Lithuania-coordinated demining partners agreed a €95m fund and €205m in specialized equipment for Ukraine’s explosive hazard clearance in 2026. Drones for NATO’s Eastern Flank: Vilnius-based RSI Europe and Ukraine’s The Fourth Law signed a memorandum to jointly produce drones in Lithuania, combining manufacturing capacity with AI and battlefield feedback. EU Defence Financing: Latvia signed a nearly €3.5bn SAFE defence loan to speed up drones, missiles and anti-drone systems. Lithuanian Tech Spotlight: A new report traces how Vilnius University’s first ruby laser helped turn Lithuania into a laser exporter to 80+ countries. Energy Update: Litgrid connected an 80 MW battery storage system to the grid in Panevėžys district, adding to Lithuania’s growing storage capacity. Culture & Sport: Vilnius also gets a spotlight via KVIFF Industry Days announcements, while powerlifting saw Zahra Padia finish fifth at IPF Worlds in Lithuania.