Estonia launches large-scale NATO exercises near border with Russia
Illustrative photo: Estonia has launched a large-scale NATO exercise (Getty Images)
The two-week international military exercise Pikne (“lightning“) has begun in Estonia today. Units from NATO countries will take part in the exercise, according to Estonian Defense Forces.
The exercise will involve not only the Estonian military, but also units from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latvia.
“We are putting the synergy and cooperation to test across different countries, branches of service and units,” said Colonel Janno Märk, Chief of Staff of the Estonian division.
The main exercises will take place from December 2 to 15, mainly in the north and northeast of Estonia for the ground and air forces. Naval maneuvers will take place on the shores of the Gulf of Finland.
During the first week of the exercise, units will be deployed and combat operations will be practiced. The second week will include live-fire exercises by allied units at the Sirgala training ground.
Threat of Russia's War with Baltic States
On September 18, the Defense Ministers of Latvia, Poland, and Romania called on NATO allies to urgently strengthen air defense on the eastern flank of the Alliance.
Earlier this month, a Russian Shahed drone packed with explosives crashed in eastern Latvia, and in Romania, Russian drones were spotted violating airspace.
In none of the cases did NATO troops attempt to shoot down the targets, citing directives from the Alliance's command.
After the incidents, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry called for a change in the algorithm for patrolling the Baltic airspace to shoot down Russian missiles.
