Exercise Pikne is 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 is part of a NATO-wide Vigilance Activity Brilliant Eagle, focusing on deployability and interoperability in the Baltic Sea Region.
The aim of the exercise is 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 will deploy reinforcements to Estonia via air insertion. On the ground Estonian 1. Infantry Brigade will deploy 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 are 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) is provided by fixed- and rotary wing aircraft (FRA, EST). Estonian Air Defence (ESTDIV) and Engineer (1InfBde) units will support the operation as part of Estonian Defence League’s Regional Command North-East that fulfills territorial defence tasks.
Counteroffensive is conducted to seize control over designated areas in Estonia. Field Training Exercise phase will be 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
