As part of Exercise Hedgehog 25, the allies practiced the rapid deployment of additional units to Estonia. In addition to the large-scale deployment of UK and French units to Estonia in the previous weeks, additional infantry units were brought to Estonia from Latvia yesterday, May 9, under the leadership of Canada, using two CH47 Chinook helicopters from the Armed Forces of United Kingdom. The cooperative exercise involved allied units from Canada, Spain, Italy and Sweden.
“The aim of today’s exercise is to practice the defense of the Baltic States. Our task is to support the activities of the multinational artillery battalion,” said Major Jason Brown, Deputy Commander of the Canadian-led multinational artillery battalion. “Exercises like these provide us with many opportunities to better understand one another and improve cooperation,” he added.
“Each NATO member state is similar but also different. It is important to understand each other’s tactics, techniques, and procedures, which is why we need to train and work together,” Major Jason Brown added, emphasizing the importance of interoperability between nations and units.
The CH-47 Chinook helicopters can be used to transport equipment and troops, as well as carry out medical evacuations.
Exercise Hedgehog 25 is the largest exercise of the Estonian Defence Forces this year, during which the planning and execution of military operations is practiced as well as cooperation between Estonian and allied units is enhanced. Participants in the exercise will include active duty, conscripts, reservists, members of the Defence League and soldiers from allied countries.
