Safety Exercises in Vilnius: Siren Testing and Public Transport Changes

October 6, 2025
From October 6 to 11, for the second year in a row, Lithuania will host the largest National Mobilization System Test Exercise, "Vyčio skliautas" (Vytis's Shield). Part of this exercise will also take place in Vilnius – this week, you may notice the movement of counter-mobility measures, hear sirens, and see uniformed soldiers and riflemen. Evacuation drills will also be held in the capital, which will involve setting up evacuation points and increased movement of people. Residents are urged to remain calm – this is all part of the exercise.

On Monday, October 6, riflemen will guard the territories of the municipal companies "Grinda," "Susisiekimo paslaugos," "Miesto gijos," and "Vilniaus vandenys." In the latter two territories, counter-mobility measures will also be installed starting at 8:00 PM (20:00). The areas will be fenced off until 12:00 AM (00:00) on October 8 – during this period, you may notice the transportation of equipment and the installation of barricades.

On Tuesday, October 7, sirens will be tested, evacuation drills will begin, and a simulated seizure of a waterworks facility will take place.

Starting at 11:52 AM, sirens will be activated across the country, and residents will also receive messages on their mobile phones through the Public Warning and Information System (hereinafter – GPIS).

During the warning system test, the audible signal "Warning System Test" will last for three minutes. At the same time, warning messages will be sent to mobile phones. When you hear the sirens, turn on the Lithuanian National Radio or Television. Listen to all the information about potential dangers and advice on what to do to protect yourself, others, and your property.

If you are in a location where the sirens are not audible, it is recommended to activate the cell broadcast feature on your mobile phone in advance to receive short warning messages. These messages are used to warn residents when it is necessary to urgently convey important information about a threat to their health, life, property, or the environment. Please check if this feature is working on your phone. This service is free of charge.

To evaluate the functional efficiency and recipient reach of the Public Warning and Information System (GPIS), which sends messages to phones via mobile operator networks, we ask you to fill out a survey after the test.

Assembly points will be set up near some schools and kindergartens in Antakalnis, Naujininkai, Naujoji Vilnia, and Rasos – tents will be set up, and larger gatherings of people will be visible. The evacuation drills will take place on October 7–8.

On this day, the schedules of 17 public transport routes will also be temporarily changed: 1G, 2G, 3G, 5G, 5, 10, 18, 29, 34, 40, 50, 53, 56, 69, 74, 87, 115. You can find the updated schedules on the websites judu.lt and stops.lt. You can track public transport in real-time on the JUDU virtual display here.

On October 11–12, Combat Riflemen will be on duty near the "GO8" shopping center and the "Maxima" supermarket (Mindaugo g. 11).

The exercise is coordinated by the National Crisis Management Center and the Mobilization and Civil Resistance Department at the Ministry of National Defence.

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