News item | 01-06-2026 | 4:30 PM
Military convoys, armored vehicles and trains full of equipment. The army has started the largest exercise of 2026. Ten working days after the alarm was raised, the first military vehicles left Havelte today. In the coming days, hundreds will drive through the Netherlands as part of an extensive relocation operation. Nearly 7,000 soldiers participate in exercise Fighter Lion.
Soldiers and equipment are moved from various barracks to training areas in the Northern Netherlands and Northern Germany. Road users can therefore go to different locations military columns encounter. For example, one now passed the IJsselbrug. During the week, military traffic will also be seen on, for example, the Amsterdam ring road and the Afsluitdijk. Spreading out and avoiding rush hour should minimize disruption as much as possible.
In addition to road transport, the army also uses rail. The first vehicles were loaded onto the train in ‘t Harde. More equipment will follow in the coming days.
Take over the fight
In Fighter Lion, brigades prepare for the next phase of the fight, as would be expected in a large-scale conflict. After an enemy attack, 13 Light Brigade from Oirschot has been ordered to stop any further advance. Then 43 Mechanized Brigade from Havelte takes over the fight with heavier means to defeat the enemy.
Taking over an ongoing battle is a new part of the exercise. Units transfer tasks and responsibilities to each other during combat operations. This requires close cooperation, good coordination and robust logistical support.
Training under constant threat
During combat operations, the soldiers train under the constant threat of drones and electronic disruption. Large-scale relocations, supplies, maintenance and medical support are also part of the scenario.
The aim of Fighter Lion is to deploy, move and continue combat power over the long term. The exercise not only tests the combat effectiveness of units, but also the ability to work together under realistic conditions and remain operational.