On Thursday, March 6, NATO exercise Viking Nebula was conducted in Estonian airspace, demonstrating the Allied operational readiness to identify locations of targets, and responding to threats with both air and ground systems.
“This successful exercise highlights our collective capability to defend our territories and deter any threats with the strength and unity of our allies. The seamless cooperation between different domains and involved countries further strengthens our shared commitment to peace and stability in the region,“ said Commander of Estonian Air Force Brigadier General Toomas Susi.
The exercise was conducted in the airspace of Estonia and neighboring countries, and involved various NATO and allied aircraft and multiple nations. The aim of the exercise was to train the involved forces in identification of targets, sharing information, and issuing shared tasks to both air and ground units, thus directly contributing to strengthening NATO’s defense capabilities, and improving the ability to simultaneously coordinate activities of air and ground units.
During the exercise, the Estonian Air Force ensured control of tactical air operations and maintained situational awareness in close cooperation with NATO and Allied forces. In addition to the Air Force, Estonia also contributed with long-range indirect fire units from the Estonian Division, enabling the integration of air and ground domain during the exercise. The exercise confirmed the high state of readiness of command and control functions of the involved forces, as well Estonia’s ability to support the tactical control of air operations and maintaining situational awareness during such operations.
Viking Nebula is part of NATO’s readiness and preparatory activities before the large-scale NATO air force exercise Ramstein Flag 2025, which will begin in the coming weeks. Developing the capability to operate in different domains, and integrating different capabilities contributes to NATO’s readiness to deter threats and protect Allied territory.
