Large-scale military exercises Siil 2022 are starting in Estonia, which will be attended by more than 15,000 servicemen from 10 countries. This was reported by “European Pravda” with reference to the Estonian Defense Forces.
In particular, about 7,100 reservists, 2,500 conscripts, 2,000 contract soldiers, and 4,200 allied soldiers from 10 countries are taking part in the training. Hundreds of vehicles were also involved, including armored vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, ships, helicopters, and aircraft. American, British and Polish missile systems will also be involved.
The purpose of the maneuvers is to test combat capability and assess international cooperation in responding to various threats. A distinctive feature of the exercises will be the emphasis on regional cooperation.
The geography of the training will cover the area from the Danish island of Bornholm to northern Latvia.
The training will end on June 3.
Several more exercices are being held in and around Estonia at the same time. Latvia is organizing the Namejs exercise, which, among other things, is working on cross-border cooperation and joint command procedures with the Estonian Defense Forces.
As part of the Defender Europe training, US Marines will interact with Estonian troops in Saaremaa and conduct combat shootings at sea. NATO's Northern Division Headquarters will conduct Knight Legion training.
Earlier, the Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine Kaimo Kuusk said that russia was threatening Estonia and had military plans against it.