France and UK deploy troops to Estonia - Reason revealed
Photo: France and UK are deploying troops to Estonia for the Siil 2025 military training
In Estonia, large-scale Siil 2025 (Hedgehog 2025) military exercises will take place from May 5 to 23. Allied units from the United Kingdom and France are already arriving in the country, ERR reports.
As the media resourse reports, supporting units also include the military police, a logistics battalion, the Estonian Navy and Air Force, as well as the Northern District of the Kaitseliit Territorial Defense.
"The process of receiving and hosting allies is a perfect opportunity to train the work of logistics chains - from arrival at the port or airport to the delivery of equipment to its final destination," said Major Toomas Pärnpuu, Commander of the Movement and Transport Service of the Support Command.
According to Pärnpuu, the goal of the Estonian military is "the smooth and safe reception of allies on land, at sea, and in the air."
Deployment of British and French troops in Estonia
During the deployment operation, which is taking place from April 14 to 30, the armed forces of the United Kingdom and France are transferring a large number of personnel and combat equipment to Estonia.=
As part of this operation, the ability to rapidly deploy allied forces to establish an effective defense of Estonia will be practiced. In connection with the arrival of allies, a lot of military equipment can be seen on the roads of Estonia.
Participation of British troops in military exercises in Estonia
About 1,500 soldiers from the 4th Brigade of the British Army will be transferred to Estonia to take part in the Siil military exercises. The brigade includes two infantry battalions using Foxhound and Mastiff armored vehicles, as well as a light cavalry squadron equipped with Jackal reconnaissance vehicles.
Supporting units include snipers, artillery, anti-tank, and machine-gun units, as well as engineering and logistics elements ensuring the brigade's combat readiness.
French military units in Estonia
French units already stationed in Estonia will be joined during the operation primarily by units of the French Marine Infantry. They will also take part in the military exercises.
Threat to Baltic states from Russia
Recently, the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania expressed concern that Russia will not stop at Ukraine after the administration of US President Donald Trump acts as a mediator in establishing a ceasefire.
The Baltic countries note that the Kremlin has already outlined plans to increase military production and deploy additional troops along their borders.
In connection with the potential threat from Russia, in particular, at the end of March, Estonia banned Russians and Belarusians from voting in elections. Estonian troops were also granted permission to sink enemy ships.
Against this backdrop, Estonia continues to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. In the coming weeks, Estonia will deliver 10,000 shells to Ukraine.
