Currently around 200 German troops from Gebirgsjägerbatallion 231 of Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23 of Bundeswehr serve in Estonia. German officers also serve at NATO Force Integration Unit and NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.
This year German forces participated in exercises Kevadtorm and Saber Strike in Estonia and took part in a motorized march Dragoon Ride through Europe. Next week, Luftwaffe´s Eurofighter Typhoon fighters are scheduled to take over NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission in Ämari for the third time.
In total, German fighter jets have participated in mission on eight occasions. Germany has contributed considerably in the development of Estonian Navy. Several Estonian officers and non-commissioned officers have been trained there. Estonian and German troops have served together in the Horn of Africa and currently participate in an UN-led mission in Mali.
Today Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas and is scheduled to meet President Toomas Hendrik Ilves tomorrow. Merkel will also deliver a speech on the development of digital society and the future of Europe in Tallinn.