The annual field training exercise Spring Storm started on May 15 with the formation of reserve units, followed by movement to assembly areas to commence the joint operational training.
“Knowing the landscape and environment of our homeland is crucial for defending Estonia, and that is exactly what we practice together with our allies during this exercise,” said Lieutenant Colonel Feliks Roodvee, the planning officer responsible for Spring Storm 2023. “Today, the units started receiving reservists and they will move to the field shortly. The expectations for the exercise are high and we have all the prerequisites to fulfill the objectives of Spring Storm.”
This year, the combat readiness of Kalev Infantry Battalion from 1st Infantry brigade of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Northern Regional Defence Battalion of the Estonian Defence League is being evaluated.
“The formation of the Kalev Infantry Battalion started last week, with the initial focus on the leadership and staff,” said Major Argo Sibul, commanding officer of Kalev Infantry Battalion. “By now, we have gone through initial training, achieved an overview the exercise areas and prepared our plans for this week. In the coming days we will go through refreshment training, such as range exercises and field skills, followed by giving initial battle orders and moving to combat areas.”
Land, air, and naval forces, including the staff of the newly formed Estonian division, 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigade, Support Command, Cyber Command, and other Estonian Defence Force and Defence League units participate the exercise together with numerous Allied units. The exercise includes both NATO enhanced forward presence battle group troops stationed in Estonia and personnel from allied and partner countries who arrived specially for the exercise. About 14,000 personnel from 11 nations participate the exercise.
During the exercise, taking place from May 15th to 26th, the Estonian Defence Forces will assess the synchronization of battle plans, cooperation between different levels of command, and unit readiness for carrying out combat tasks. Planned activities of the exercise primarily take place in Northern Estonia.
During the exercise period, more than usual military vehicles and convoys will be travelling on civilian roads. Additionally, there will be more aircraft flying in the exercise area, primarily visible and audible over Ämari, Tallinn and the counties of Lääne-Virumaa and Ida-Virumaa, but also in other parts of Estonia. The exercise involves British fighter jets, Polish attack aircraft, British and American helicopters, as well as Estonian Air Force aircraft and helicopters.
Various simulation devices will be used during the exercise, including blank ammunition, training grenades, and signal flares. The use of heavy equipment, aircraft, and simulation devices generates more noise than usual.
Spring Storm is the largest annual military exercise of the Estonian Defence Forces, during which planning and implementation of military operations is practiced and cooperation between Estonian and allied units is enhanced. The exercise involves active-duty personnel, conscripts, reservists, Defence League members, and troops from allied countries. For the first time, the exercise is led by the staff of Estonian division that was established last year.
Photos about the exercise Spring Storm 23 can be found from the gallery of Estonian Defence Forces: https://pildid.mil.ee/index.php?/category/61840
