NATO exercises with 14,000 troops begin in Estonia

NATO's most significant annual military exercise, Spring Storm, begins in Estonia with the participation of more than 14,000 troops.

According to Ukrinform, this was reported on the British government's website.

"More than 1,500 British troops, along with thousands of troops from NATO member states, will take part in a major exercise in Estonia," the statement said.

It is noted that Exercise Spring Storm is the largest annual military exercise involving the United Kingdom-led enhanced battlegroup of NATO's Forward Presence, which includes British and French troops. More than 14,000 troops from 11 NATO countries will participate in the exercise.

The British Ministry of Defense pointed out that this year's exercises in Estonia will mark "the first brigade-level deployment in Estonia, involving hundreds more troops than in previous deployments."

"Scattered across the challenging and diverse Estonian terrain, the ground units will undergo realistic combat scenarios, including trench attacks, reconnaissance missions, and light infantry tactics, and including armored vehicle maneuvers and general combat," the defense ministry said.

In addition to the ground elements of the two-week exercise, which will begin on May 15, the British Air Force will conduct surveillance and air-to-air training, and marine units will train for landings "to test the UK's ability to conduct naval strikes."

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace noted that the allied exercise Spring Storm "demonstrates the strength of our interoperability with partner nations and our shared commitment to the NATO Alliance."

"As the Russian army continues its illegal invasion of Ukraine, threatening stability in Europe, the UK, and our allies will continue to stand by Ukraine and defend our shared values and freedom," he added.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 15/05/2023