As part of the Exercise Hedgehog 25, units from the United Kingdom and France are training together at the Nursipalu training area to enhance their cooperation and align support unit operations on the battlefield.
“It is important in this exercise to demonstrate our ability to deploy our forces en masse using a number fo different methods. It’s equally crucial to train with our NATO allies and the Estonian reservists called up to participate, working as one, to show that we can and will defend Estonia if it comes to that,” said Captain Cartwright, mortar platoon commander, Fire Support Company, 2 Scots.
Before entering the next phase of the exercise, the United Kindom and French mortar and support units familiarized themselves with each other’s equipment, standard procedures, and techniques, exchanging experience in the process.
“It’s important to take as many learning lessons as possible and to understand each other’s differences, so that if we were to do this for real, it would be as smoothly as possible,” added Captain Cartwright. “Although there are similarities to Scotland, it’s the Estonians who know this land best, and we have been trying to get a good understanding of local environment to avoid simple mistakes, so if we were to come here, we would be able to fight on the front foot.”
The allied mortar units demonstrated to each other everything from weapon readiness procedures to the communication of fire missions. Additionally, both nations’ combat support units showcased their capabilities in vehicle recovery, refueling, medical support, and other logistical functions.
“For us, this is a rare opportunity to train in a new environment, a new location, and with new equipment,” said sergeant Thomas, mortar squad leader of the French contingent. “Here we have Estonians, British, and French working together to learn how to operate together and to defend Estonia if necessary.”
In addition to Estonian armed forces personnel, units from more than ten countries are involved in the exercise, including forces from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal. Observers and instructors will also be present from Japan, Israel, and Ukraine.
Exercise Hedgehog 25 is the Estonian Defense Forces’ largest training event this year, focused on planning and executing military operations and enhancing interoperability between Estonian and allied units. Participants include active-duty personnel, conscripts, reservists, Defense League members, and allied soldiers.
