Bundeswehr on the move: Massive troop movement in the Gotha area!

Bundeswehr on the move: Massive troop movement in the Gotha area!

The Bundeswehr is approaching and not without reason: Bundeswehr military columns have been on the move in the Gotha area and on the A4 since Friday morning. Over 100 wheeled vehicles, including many trucks and armored patrol vehicles, are heading towards Dresden. Drivers are asked to be particularly careful as the convoys move slowly and cannot always be overtaken in time. The Reconnaissance Battalion 13 from Gotha plays a central role in this movement. A total of around 400 soldiers are deployed. In addition to the A4, smaller contingents from Bad Frankenhausen, Bad Salzungen and Gera also move on other routes. These units belong to the Saxon-Thuringian Panzergrenadier Brigade 37, which is taking part in the important exercise “Grand Eagle”, for which approximately 2,000 soldiers were mobilized.

The 37th Panzer Grenadier Brigade has been preparing for operations in Lithuania since the beginning of the year. Their goal: to further strengthen the protection of Lithuania from potential attacks, especially from Russia. From 2025, the brigade will train regularly in Lithuania and will take over the tasks of the new Armored Brigade 45 on an interim basis, which will not be operational until 2027.

Press days for exercise Grand Eagle

There is exciting news for all interested parties and especially media representatives: The Panzergrenadierbrigade 37 invites you to two press days on September 12th and 20th, 2025. This opportunity offers a look behind the scenes of the exercise “Grand Eagle 2025”. Here the participants get impressions of the logistical procedures of the Supply Battalion 131 from Bad Frankenhausen. The focus is on the basic and operational logistics on site.

The brigade is part of the Multinational Brigade Lithuania, which will take over operational tasks in the region from January 2025. It is also part of the 10th Panzer Division, which is considered to have the highest availability and operational readiness in the German Army. This exercise not only strengthens cohesion within NATO, but also makes an important contribution to deterrence on NATO's eastern flank. Media representatives can accredit themselves by a specific date using an attached form. Press contact is Captain Susan Billing, available by telephone and email as stated in the official media call.

Logistical challenges in autumn

The large-scale exercise “Quadriga 2025” will also take place next autumn, in which the Panzergrenadier Brigade 37 will also be involved. Up to 1,000 vehicles are to be transported by sea to Lithuania in September. This not only shows the impressive strength of the German Army, but also makes it clear how important an effective NATO presence on the eastern flank is. Around 8,000 soldiers will take part in this exercise, with Panzergrenadier Brigade 37 making up a quarter of them.

This extensive exercise will include various aspects including free range exercises and command post exercises. All modes of transport – ship, air, rail and road – will be used to ensure rapid relocation to the eastern flank. This means that the Bundeswehr remains ready and makes it clear: security is a top priority!

The current developments and the upcoming exercises are clearly focused on international cooperation and securing peace and stability in the region. With its commitment, the Bundeswehr shows that it is well positioned to meet the challenges of the time.

For more information, see the following links: MDR, Press portal and Soldier and technology.