BALKAN SHIELD 26: Special Forces from eight countries train in Litochoro with live fire, air assault and FPV drones

Special Forces from eight countries have been training since Saturday, October 31 in Litochoro, Pieria, as part of the Balkan multinational exercise “BALKAN SHIELD 26”. The programme ends on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after nine days of training. In a post on X, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) said the exercise is in full swing, as reported by ERT.

Which countries take part

Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina have sent personnel to Litochoro. The eight contingents take part in demanding operational training scenarios. According to the HNDGS, the aim is better cooperation among the Balkan Special Forces and their ability to operate jointly, known as interoperability.

Serbia and Greece have met before in special forces training, as in the exercise FALCON–SOFEX 2021, with Special Forces from Greece, Cyprus and Serbia. For Romania and Bulgaria, BALKAN SPIRIT 22 brought their units to train together with Greek ones in 2022.

Live fire, urban combat and unmanned systems

The participants carry out live-fire drills and operate in built-up areas, and also practise air-assault actions, that is, operations in which personnel are carried by helicopter. The programme also includes the use of modern unmanned systems. Emphasis is placed on modern operational tactics and new technological tools.

FPV drones are used to strike simulated targets, so that teams become familiar with a weapon that has changed modern battlefields. The programme also includes sniper training, fast-roping techniques from helicopters and parachute jumps, both static-line and free-fall. The participants also train in providing first aid under combat conditions.

Who designed and who runs the exercise

The exercise was designed by the Special Warfare Command (DEP), which comes under the HNDGS. The 1st Infantry Division is responsible for conducting it, while personnel from both DEP units and the Hellenic Army General Staff are in the field. Joint staffs of the eight countries draw up the mission plans together, while air support is provided by Hellenic Air Force and Army Aviation assets.

What the HNDGS expects

The General Staff describes BALKAN SHIELD 26 as a place where participants exchange experience and increase their readiness, stressing the value of multinational cooperation in Special Operations.