The Portuguese participation was notable for the first execution of the SPIE (Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction) technique by Marines from both countries and the Lithuanian Air Force. This technique is designed for the rapid extraction of a team in a tactical environment when helicopter landing is not feasible. The procedure uses a cable system suspended by the helicopter to retrieve personnel from the ground, serving as a crucial alternative in difficult or hazardous locations.
The exercise involved multiple flights, allowing teams to practice procedures related to preparation, system connection, extraction, and coordination with the helicopter crew. Additionally, Fast Rope techniques were employed, enabling the rapid disembarkment of personnel from a helicopter without landing, providing further training opportunities in tactical scenarios.
The joint execution of these two techniques provided a diverse and demanding training session. The aim was to integrate different capabilities, strengthen coordination between the two peer forces, and contribute to maintaining operational readiness and interoperability between Portugal and Lithuania, as part of the NATO mission for reassurance measures in Eastern Europe.
