From May 10–17, during the combat enhancement and force integration training (CET/FIT) phase of the exercise Spring Storm 2026, reservists will practice both offensive and reconnaissance operations using unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as defence against unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, units will collaborate with defence industry companies to test new technological and tactical solutions in the field of unmanned systems.
“Above all, unmanned aerial vehicles provide us with greater battlefield transparency,” said Colonel Aron Kalmus, exercise director of Spring Storm 2026. “For example, units of the Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion already have soldiers who, using drone technology, can see and engage the enemy from a greater distance than before. From a soldier’s perspective, this means that trenches and bunkers are not going anywhere when it comes to ensuring safety, but they are now supplemented by elements of electronic defence. From the perspective of society as a whole, however, this signifies a shift in mindset, resulting in both the defence forces and civilian society being open to new technologies and learning to navigate cyberspace right from the start.”
As part of training exercises, reservists from the 21st and 22nd Infantry Battalions of the 2nd Infantry Brigade are receiving training in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the field. Although the primary mission of these units is not the operation of unmanned systems, readiness and basic knowledge in this area are essential for offensive, reconnaissance, and defensive operations. Proficiency with unmanned systems directly supports the successful fulfilment of the units’ primary mission.
“The need for drone-related skills has increased so much recently that, after completing soldier’s basic course, some conscripts are directed to further training in the field of drones,” said Second Lieutenant Darian Tiks, platoon leader of the 22nd Infantry Battalion. “Even those who are not sent to the drone course gain experience within their units, as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles is closely integrated into daily operations in the field. Reserve soldiers participating in drone training during Spring Storm have already acquired basic knowledge and, after further training, will support their units’ operations with what they have learned.”
During Spring Storm, there will also be close cooperation with defence industry companies, whose products will be tested. During the exercise, the Estonian Defence Forces will test both unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Among other things, companies will conduct tests in cooperation with the Estonian Navy in territorial waters and the airspace above them, where unmanned aerial vehicles with reconnaissance and detection capabilities will be tested.
“Thanks to the establishment of the Force Transformation Command, a concrete framework has been created, unlike in previous years, for how new products are tested and integrated into unit operations,” said First Lieutenant (in reserve) Jaak Kalja, Head of Technology Innovation of the Estonian Division. “However, it is not new products that ultimately win wars; it is still the well-trained soldier on the battlefield. Defence industry companies are very strong partners for the Estonian Defence Forces, as they often have direct cooperation with countries involved in conflicts at both the development and operational levels. We are already testing specific products from defence industry companies today as part of Spring Storm.”
Spring Storm is the largest annual exercise of the Estonian Defence Forces, during which the planning and execution of military operations are practiced, and cooperation between Estonian and allied units is strengthened. The exercise involves active-duty personnel, conscripts, reservists, members of the Estonian Defence League, as well as troops from allied and partner nations. The first exercise Spring Storm was conducted in 2003, and currently this is the 20th Spring Storm. In 2015, 2018, 2022, and 2025, the exercise Hedgehog was held instead of Spring Storm.
