During Exercise Spring Storm, the 2nd Infantry Brigade receives indirect fire support from the Estonian Division’s 25th Self-Propelled Howitzer Battalion. With precision ammunition, the K9 self-propelled howitzers can accurately strike targets up to 70 kilometres away.
“The challenging aspect of this exercise is the marshy and channelized terrain, making it difficult to find positions for heavy equipment. Nevertheless, we have managed to locate suitable Artillery Manoeuvre Areas and provide indirect fire support to the infantry units of the 2nd Infantry Brigade,” said Second Lieutenant Rando Raja, deputy battery commander of the 25th Self-Propelled Howitzer Battalion.
The K9 howitzer crews consist of five members. In addition to the main weapon, a 155 mm howitzer, the armament includes a 12.7 mm Browning heavy machine gun. The K9 weapon system is complemented by reconnaissance capabilities which are enhanced with ATVs.
Consisting of conscripts, the K9 crews are prepared to meet all the requirements imposed on them during the exercise. “This unit here is also my wartime unit. I have been able to keep a close watch and make adjustments as needed. We have reached a level that I am genuinely and sincerely satisfied with. There is always room for improvement, but I can confidently say that we are at a very high level right now,” said Second Lieutenant Rando Raja.
The K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers are tracked vehicles with high off-road capability, excellent armour, and substantial firepower. Being armoured and self-propelled, these howitzers enhance the protection of the artillery crew and enable quicker manoeuvring, which increases survivability and firepower. The weapon system is simple and reliable, making it suitable for use by conscripts and reservists.
The primary military task of the 25th Self-Propelled Howitzer Battalion within the Estonian Division is to support infantry and manoeuvre units with indirect fire and to destroy High-Value Targets.
The Spring Storm exercise involves units from the army, air force and navy, including the Division Headquarters, the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades, the Support Command, the Cyber Command, and other units of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League. Participants include NATO Battlegroup’s members serving in Estonia as well as military personnel from allied and partner countries. In total, approximately 14,000 soldiers are participating in the exercise.
Spring Storm is the largest annual exercise of the Estonian Defence Forces, during which military operations planning and execution are practiced, as well as enhanced cooperation between Estonian and allied units. The exercise involves active-duty military personnel, conscripts, reservists, members of the Estonian Defence League, and participants from allied nations.
Spring Storm 2024 is part of the NATO exercise series Steadfast Defender 2024, representing a significant component of this extensive NATO exercise. Steadfast Defender 2024 is the largest NATO exercise in decades, with nearly 90,000 participants from all 32 member states participating over a six-month period from January to July 2024. The broader framework for the exercise has been set by confirmed NATO regional defence plans.
