“NATO’s decision shows the credibility Kevadtorm has achieved over the years as well as displays strong support of Allies to Estonia and to the whole region,” Commander of Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Riho Terras said. “Up to now we have been organizing a large-scale Estonian Defence Forces exercise, the NATO involvement gives our development a strong boost as well as allows Kevadtorm to become one of the most important exercises in the Baltic Sea region,” he added.
STEADFAST JAVELIN 1 will be conducted in the spirit of NATO’s Connected Forces Initiative, using advanced technology to develop interoperability and operational preparedness and to maintain NATO’s readiness and combat effectiveness. A liaison team and participants from Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum arrived in Estonia on 14 May to liaise with their Estonian counterparts and ensure a smooth transition.
General Domröse will conduct the exercising and training of approximately 6,000 personnel during STEADFAST JAVELIN 1. Successful completion of STEADFAST JAVELIN1 will confirm that Alliance forces are closely aligned and capable of providing collective defence and the delivery of effective security and stability in accordance with NATO’s stated aims.
The North Atlantic Council on 16 April 2014 agreed on a package of extra military measures to reinforce the Alliance’s collective defence in wake of the crisis in Ukraine. These measures include enhanced exercises, updated defence plans and appropriate deployments.