Lithuania's int'l exercise Flaming Thunder attracts more NATO members

The media day of the two-week long international Flaming Thunder 2015 exercise, organized by Lithuania, was conducted by the four participating countries on Wednesday.

As Lithuania's defense ministry suggested, the annual event attracts more and more NATO member countries each year. This year is the third in a row, and about 450 soldiers from Lithuania, the U.S., Portugal and Poland attended the exercise. It started from April 13.

A U.S. soldier who has served in the army for 19 years told Xinhua that this exercise helps enhance interoperability among the NATO member countries. He said it's a good thing for the U.S. army to work together with allies in Lithuania.

Since early 2014, NATO, a military bloc led by the U.S., has increased its presence in Lithuania, and the Eastern Europe beyond.

After conflicts took place in Ukraine, military exercises are conducted more often in the Baltic country.

It increased defense budget and reintroduced conscription.

Germany, who has sent over 200 soldiers to Lithuania recently, is also set to provide 12 self-propelled howitzers PzH 2000.

The international exercise Flaming Thunder is an annual event organized by Lithuania on its territory, with its intensity increased each year, according to Lithuania's defense ministry. Endit