Firefighting helicopters, reconnaissance drones, and operations by military and civilian rescue services—in the period from 21–22 April, the LAS-26 exercise was conducted to test readiness to respond to large-scale forest fires. The scenario included both ground operations and aerial operations using the available forces and resources.
The organizers focused primarily on practical improvement of cooperation between the services and on testing the effectiveness of coordination during a dynamically developing threat. Exercises of this kind are particularly important during periods of increasing risk of drought and forest fires.
What was practiced during LAS-26?
As part of the maneuvers, the following were tested, among other things:
- command of rescue operations at the tactical level,
- the use of drones for reconnaissance,
- extinguishing fires from the ground and from the air,
- forecasting the development of the threat based on meteorological data and forest systems,
- organizing water-drawing points and transporting water over long distances,
- providing qualified first aid when there are large numbers of casualties.
Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation between military and civilian services. In real crisis situations, the rapid flow of information and a clear division of responsibilities often determine the success of the entire operation.