From December 2 to 8, Allied Air Forces will conduct training flights in Estonian airspace with fighter jets and transport aircrafts as part of Exercise Pikne, including low-altitude flights. The training flights will take place in designated training areas.
The flights will primarily take place in Northeastern Estonia between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. It is possible that during the exercise aircrafts may fly at supersonic speeds, which can cause increased noise and sometimes cause explosion-like sounds when breaking the sound barrier. Additionally, aircrafts may pass over settlements or individual farms, but efforts will be made to avoid populated areas whenever possible.
A restricted area, EER2301, has been established in Northeastern Estonia from December 2 to 8 to support the exercise’s flight operations. Any manned or unmanned aircraft not participating in the exercise must coordinate their flights within, into, or out of the restricted area by contacting the Air Force via the phone number published in the NOTAM at least 30 minutes before takeoff.
NATO member states allocate specific areas and regions of their airspace for defense exercises and training, including low-altitude flights. The flight operations are in accordance with Estonian laws and are conducted in cooperation with the Estonian Transport Administration and Estonian Air Navigation Services.
According to the North Atlantic Council decision, the air forces of NATO member states guard the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Air defense is ensured by fighter jets based at Ämari Air Base in Estonia and Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.
