On Thursday, December 5, reserve troops of the Short-Range Air Defense Battery, Estonian Division, practiced countering air threats using man-portable air defence systems Piorun as part of exercise Pikne. The reservists were ordered to report to duty by the Estonian Government on December 3 with the announcement of initiating a snap exercise (SNAPEX) Okas 24-2 („Quill 24-2“).
The task of the Air Defense Battery in the exercise Pikne is locating and establishing suitable firing positions for effectively engaging the opposing air threats.
“At first, we were concerned about weather, but as we can see, it’s a very pleasant autumn day – perfect conditions for flying the aircraft and ideal for us to fire at them,” said Corporal Edgar Tammus, a reservist with the Air Defense Battery. “The cooperation within the unit is excellent. This is already the third time we’ve come together this year, and we already feel like a family. Serving together for a common goal and defending Estonia is the best thing we could do together,” added Corporal Tammus.
During the multinational exercise, Estonian air defenders are supported by French Air Forces units, that simulate air threats using fighter jets Dassault Rafale.
According to the comment on topic, send from the French Army, NATO’s exercise Pikne is showcasing the high level of readiness, interoperability and combat capability of the Allies, in particular Estonian and French troops with UK participation. The force projection with transport aircraft A400Ms from France, in addition to the NATO air policing mission we are conducting with 4 Rafales based in Siauliai, and the situation assessment capabilities, illustrate the full interoperability of NATO air forces and allied armies in general.”
The purpose of the snap exercise Okas 24-2 is to test combat readiness by assessing the functioning of the national defence chain of command, from the government’s decision-making to the assembly of rapid response reservists. Additionally, reservists and active-duty members from the Engineer Battalion (1st Infantry Brigade) and the Short-Range Air Defense Battery (Estonian Division) will practice achieving combat readiness and fulfilling their combat tasks during exercise Pikne.
International military exercise Pikne („Lightning“) is part of NATO activity Brilliant Eagle, focusing on Allied rapid deployability and interoperability in the Baltic Sea region. During the exercise, supplementary Allied units are rapidly deployed to Estonia via land, sea and air to support and train together with the NATO Multinational Battlegroup and the Estonian Defence Forces and Estonian Defence League in a simulated war situation. The exercise is led by the Estonian Division and nearly 2,000 participants from Estonia, Latvia, USA, France and United Kingdom participate in it.