More than 16,000 Estonian and allied troops will take part in the exercise from May 5-23 across the country.

This year's exercise is focused on planning and executing military operations and enhancing interoperability between Estonian and allied units. Participants include active-duty personnel, conscripts, and reservists.

Units from more than 10 countries are involved in the exercise, including forces from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal.

If you want to know why Estonia's largest military exercise is named after a hedgehog, see ERR News' explainer here.

See a selection of images below.

Reservists arrive

The exercise began with the formation of reservists in Northeast and Southeast Estonia. Read more here.

Estonia-Finland practice joint rescue operation

On May 7, the Estonian Border Guard and the Finnish Border Guard carried out a surface rescue operation using vessels and aircraft.

NATO Battlegroup generals' meeting

As part of Exercise Hedgehog 2025, generals from Estonia, England, and France met on May 8.

U.S. Air Force C-17 military aircraft lands at Tartu Airport

On May 8, the United States practiced its global response within 96 hours and its ability to carry out tasks.

1st Infantry Brigade's Air Defense unit practice tactical activities

On May 8, the 1st Infantry Brigade's Air Defence battalion practiced tactical activities in Northeast Estonia.

Curfew imposed on Võru County village

On May 8-10, military police conscripts imposed a curfew on Sulbi village in southern Estonia. The training practiced ensuring security in an area populated by civilians in the event of a crisis.

K9 Thunder shooting practice

On May 9, Estonian division Artillery Battalion reservists practised K9 Thunder shooting on the Central training area.

Allies deploy additional units to Estonia by helicopter from Latvia  

On May 9, infantrymen from Canada, Spain, Sweden and Italy were flown to Võru county in CH-47 Chinooks to demonstrate NATO's ability to move its troops quickly and in large numbers wherever needed. Read more here.

Swedish units participate in exercises in South Estonia

On May 9, maneuvers of the mechanized company of the Swedish 71st Battalion, deployed to Latvia, took place in Southeast Estonia.

Defense minister visits exercises

On May 10, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur (Reform) visited the troops of the Estonian and Allied Forces in South Estonia.

Vehicle convoy

On May 10, NATO battlegroup vehicles moved from Tapa military base to the training grounds.

Defense League protects Navy equipment

On May 10, Estonian Defense League units trained to protect the Estonian Navy's strategic equipment in Northern Estonia.

Combat phase begins

On May 11, the 1st Infantry Brigade began the combat phase of Exercise Siil 25.

OSCE observers visit Exercise Hedgehog

Observers from the OSCE, Europe, Japan, the UK, and the USA monitored the exercise on May 11.

Ukrainian drone experts share experience with Estonia

On May 12, Estonian units and a Ukrainian drone company practiced mutual cooperation in the field. Read more here.

Scout Battalion and Finnish units train together

On May 12, the Scout Battalion and Finnish units conducted cooperative exercises full of urban battles, clearing trenches, building bridges, and other tactical activities near Tapa.

U.S. Bradley infantry fighting vehicles in Võru County

On May 13, a tactical exercise involving Bradley infantry fighting vehicles was held by U.S. units in the Meegomäe area. The aim was to practice cooperation within units.

Battlefield casualties

The medical company of the Combat Service Support Battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade practiced assisting combat casualties in a field hospital.

Prime minister visits Exercise Hedgehog

On May 14, Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) received an overview of the exercises so far. He also met with EDF members and allies participating in the combat exercises at the central training area.

Combat operations with Finnish and French units

On May 14, units of the Scouts Battalion conducted various combat operations at the Estonian Defence Forces' central training area. Finnish and French units also participated in the combat operations.

Drone units practice together

 For the first time, drone units from several countries practiced in Estonia as part of Exercise Hedgehog 25.

President visits exercises in southern Estonia

On May 15, President Alar Karis visited both Estonian and Allied units in Southeast Estonia. The President arrived by Allied helicopter in the morning and was received by the Commander of the Defence Forces, Andrus Merilo, and the Commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, Colonel Anti Viljaste.

Live fire exercise with US support

May 20, the 2nd Infantry Brigade practiced a live fire exercise at the Defense Forces Central Polygon with automatic and anti-tank weapons, machine guns, and mortars. The U.S. allies also supported the exercise with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

Shooting down drones

May 20-22, forces practice intercepting drones with Mistral and Piorun air defense systems in a live firing exercise in Lääne-Viru County. Read more here.

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