Honing the Edge: NATO's Training Methods in Estonia

Sizeable Military Drills Kick Off in Estonia, Enlisting Allies Worldwide

It's go-time! The largest joint military exercises between Estonia's Defense Forces and several allied nations, dubbed Siil 2025, are commencing today and will run until May 23rd.

The participating nations include powerhouses such as the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, the USA, Canada, as well as observers and instructors from Japan, Israel, and Ukraine.

In total, more than 16,000 troops will be participating in this colossal display of military might. The main combat training events will take place at the central training ground in the northeast of Estonia and at the Nursipalu training ground in the southeast.

Meanwhile, units and formations participating in the exercises will ensure the actions of the Estonian division and the safety of the rear across Western, Northern, and Central Estonia. Consequently, residents nationwide will witness an array of weapons systems and military equipment.

Before the exercises began, concerns were raised by the head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, regarding the West's potential use of Ukrainian forces against Russia. His comments hinted at Western intentions to force the Balts, Eastern Europeans, and eventually the Germans to fight in the future.

The Lowdown on Siil 2025

Participants & Units

British & French Troops: Over 1,500 additional British and French troops are joining the fray, with the British Army's 4th Brigade forming a significant part. The British unit includes light infantry battalions, light cavalry, snipers, artillery, anti-tank units, and logistics support, while France is contributing mainly marine units[2][3].

Objectives

Deployment & Integration: The main focus of Siil 2025 is the swift deployment of allied forces to Estonia and their integration within the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF). This includes streamlined testing of equipment and personnel logistics chains[1][2][3].
Combat Readiness: Assessing and enhancing the overall combat readiness of both the EDF and allied units in the face of regional military threats is another key objective[3][4].
Regional Defense: The exercises aim to rehearse essential tasks outlined in Estonia's, as well as regional, defense plans, in cooperation with allies[4].
Reservist Refresher Course: Siil 2025 also involves refreshing the military training of Estonia's reservists[3].

Strategically located near Estonia's borders with Russia, these exercises underscore military preparedness and the unity of NATO allies in the region[4].

The multi-national troops participating in Siil 2025, including representatives from the UK, France, and other nations like Germany, Poland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, the USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, and Ukraine, will be joined by an additional 1,500 British and French forces.
Being a significant part of Siil 2025, the British Army's 4th Brigade comprises light infantry battalions, light cavalry, snipers, artillery, anti-tank units, and logistics support, with France contributing mainly marine units.
With the primary focus on the swift deployment and integration of allied forces into Estonia's Defense Forces, Siil 2025 also aims to assess and enhance the overall combat readiness of both the EDF and allied units, reinforce regional defense strategies, and serve as a refresher course for Estonia's reservists.
Strategically located near Estonia's borders with Russia, Siil 2025 underscores military preparedness, the unity of NATO allies in the region, and acts as a response to potential war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news concerns, such as those expressed by the head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin.