Estonian Defence Forces

Estonian Defence Forces

The Estonian Defence Forces is structured according to the principle of a reserve force which means that the main part of the defence forces of the state are units in the reserve. More than 4000 persons are in permanent readiness which in turn is part of EDF’s rapid response readiness (ca 29 000 persons altogether). In total, Estonian Defence Forces comprises of about 230 000 persons who are enrolled in mobilisation register.

Estonian Defence Forces
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Land Forces

Land Forces

The Estonian Land Forces are the main arm of the Defence Forces.

Development priorities for the Land Forces are the capability to participate in missions outside the national territory and the capability to perform operations to protect the territory of Estonia, also in co-operation with the Allies.

Land Forces
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Navy

Navy

Estonian Navy’s duty is to protect the territorial waters of Estonia. In case of crisis, Navy defends harbour areas, sea lines of communication and by-sea approaches to the coastline. Co-operation with allied units will be done if deemed to be necessary.

Navy
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Air Force

Air Force

The main task of the Estonian Air Force is to monitor the airspace and to provide support to the allied forces as a host country in the event of their arrival. The Air Force controls the country’s airspace and ensures air defense of strategic objects

Air Force
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Exercise Pikne

Exercise Pikne (“lightning“) was held from December 2 to 15, 2024, in North and North-East Estonia and the Gulf of Finland.

Exercise Pikne was an Estonian Division lead joint multinational exercise aimed at training the rapid deployment of Allied reinforcements and countering an adversary as an interoperable multinational force. Exercise Pikne was part of a NATO-wide Vigilance Activity Brilliant Eagle, focusing on deployability and interoperability in the Baltic Sea Region.

The aim of the exercise was to train interoperability, rapid reaction capabilities and deployment of reinforcements to counter an emerging threat.

Flow of the exercise

Following a notional hostile act in North-East Estonia, France deployed reinforcements to Estonia via air insertion. On the ground Estonian 1. Infantry Brigade deployed NATO Multinational Battlegroup (FRA, UK) and Scouts Battalion (EST) to the operation area in order to guard the designated areas and prepare for a counter offensive.

Operations were supported from sea (FRA, EST) through protecting sea lines of communication, mining and demining, and providing sea-to-land fire support (notional).

Close Air Support (04-07DEC) was provided by fixed- and rotary wing aircraft (FRA, EST). Estonian Air Defence (ESTDIV) and Engineer (1InfBde) units supported the operation as part of Estonian Defence League’s Regional Command North-East that fulfilled territorial defence tasks.

Counteroffensive was conducted to seize control over designated areas in Estonia. Field Training Exercise phase was followed by a Live Fire Exercise for French units at Sirgala Training Area.

Exercise Pikne (“lightning“)

Dates: December 2-15, 2024

Area: North and North-East Estonia, Gulf of Finland

Commanding unit: Estonian Division

Participants: about 2000 active duty and reserve Estonian and Allied service members

Nations: Estonia, France, United Kingdom, Latvia, USA

coverage of the exercise on X

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Last updated: 9. detsember 2024, 16:04