Large-scale military operations, dubbed Sunny Beach, set to take place on Saaremaa Island on the 29th and 30th of July.
Estonia Holds Sunny Beach Military Exercises on Saaremaa Island
The Estonian Navy, along with NATO allies and the Estonian Defence League, conducted military exercises codenamed Sunny Beach on Saaremaa Island on July 29 and 30, 2025. The exercises were part of a strategy to develop defense tactics in island geography and enhance cooperation between Estonian and allied forces.
The scenario of the exercise focused on the defense of Estonia's island territory against external threats. The exercises simulated the protection of the Western Estonian archipelago, which is strategically important for controlling movement in the central and northern Baltic Sea.
The maneuvers involved maritime formation maneuvers, amphibious landings, land-based tactical drills, and seizing and defending key coastal objectives. Additionally, mine-laying and mine-forcing operations were practiced, likely to block access from the Gulf of Finland to the Baltic Sea.
The exercises took place on the Undwa and Ninase peninsulas, with allied helicopters scheduled to land on Undva during Tuesday morning. The presence of live practice munitions (blanks, grenade throwing, flares) indicates increased noise and military presence during the exercise dates.
Residents were advised to remain calm and avoid approaching the exercise areas. Pet owners were urged to keep sensitive pets indoors, especially those sensitive to loud noises, and parents were advised to talk to their children to explain what was happening and prevent unnecessary stress.
The Russian Baltic Fleet simultaneously conducted counter-mine warfare training nearby. The exercises served to enhance joint operational procedures, situational awareness, and command and control among NATO forces and Estonia's Defence League, contributing to regional security and collective defense.
Estonia’s recent acquisition and first island testing of M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems also strengthened defensive capabilities around Saaremaa earlier in July 2025. The Sunny Beach exercises are part of regular training aimed at enhancing cooperation between Estonian and allied forces.
It is important to note that the exercises were not a real alarm, despite the increased noise, military presence, and possible restrictions on movement. Residents were warned that these factors were part of the training, not a real alarm. The exercises were an essential step in ensuring the safety and security of Estonia and its allies.
- The Sunny Beach military exercises, held on Saaremaa Island, not only develop defense tactics in island geography for Estonia but also serve to improve politics and general news regarding war-and-conflicts, as they simulate the protection of the Western Estonian archipelago and enhance cooperation with allied forces.
- The simultaneous counter-mine warfare training conducted by the Russian Baltic Fleet nearby during the Sunny Beach exercises is an example of how regional politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts intertwine, as they contribute to joint operational procedures and collective defense amongst NATO forces and Estonia's Defence League.
