Defense Forces Gearing Up for Spring-Summer Exercises
The Estonian Defense Forces are preparing for two large-scale military exercises in May and June this year, with a total of 8,000 soldiers from Estonia and other NATO nations set to participate.
First up is the annual Kevadtorm (Spring Storm) exercise involving 6,000 conscripts, reserve and professional and Defense League soldiers and units from Latvia, Lithuania, the US and the UK, ETV reported on Tuesday.
Military aircraft and anti-air units from Poland and Belgium, and a cyber defense unit from France are also expected, said Commander of the Estonian Land Forces, Colonel Artur Tiganik.
Tiganik said Kevadtorm and Saber Strike, which will be held in June, were planned before the current security crises erupted.
Saber Strike, also an annual event, will draw together participants from a number of NATO states and Finland, with around 2,000 soldiers expected to take part.
The exercise will be US-led and will take place in all thee Baltic nations.