NATO rehearses defense of Suwalki Gap in Gallant Boar 2026

NATO countries France, Poland, and Lithuania will conduct the Gallant Boar 2026 military exercises in the Suwalki Gap area from June 16 to 26, rehearsing the defense of the strategic corridor against a potential Russian attempt to break through to Kaliningrad. The Suwalki Gap, a narrow strip less than 100 km long on the border of Poland and Lithuania, separates Russia's Kaliningrad region from Belarus and is considered one of NATO's most vulnerable areas. During the maneuvers, troops will practice joint operations and improve interoperability for rapid defense of the corridor, which if seized could cut off Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia from land communication with other EU allies. Poland and Lithuania have been strengthening military infrastructure in the area, with Lithuania approving construction of a new training ground near the gap in April 2026, set to accommodate up to 4,000 troops by 2028.