Baltic Zenith 2023 military exercise to improve skills in aerial target shooting

From 10 to 20 June, the international military exercise "Baltic Zenith 2023" will take place in Vērgale municipality, South Kurzeme region, at the Šķede military training ground and Jūrmalciems military aviation training ground, during which soldiers from Latvia, Lithuania and the United States of America will improve their skills in combat shooting at aerial targets.

The exercise will involve around 200 participants, including soldiers, servicemen and civilians from the Air Force, the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade, the Home Guard, the Lithuanian Armed Forces and units of the United States National Guard. 

The aim of the exercise is to train and professionally prepare specialists of short-range air defence missile systems RBS-70, GROM, and AVENGER by conducting practical live-fire exercises on air targets. 

The 1st Riga Brigade of the Home Guard will support the 81mm mortar crews by providing air targets for firing with GROM and AVENGER systems.

During the exercise, the Navy will provide security at the exercise venue in the territorial waters of the Baltic Sea.

The long-term development plan of the National Armed Forces includes the development of air defence capabilities as one of its priorities.