The largest exercises with the participation of NATO allies began in Estonia

In Estonia, the traditional teachings of the “spring storm” defense forces began. This year, almost 9,000 people will take part in them, the press service of the Estonian military department reports .

Along with the Estonian military in maneuvers, about 2300 military personnel from 13 foreign countries will take part in maneuvers. More than 800 people will be represented by the commander of the NATO Britain British group. Germany sent about 400 troops to Estonia. The NATO combat group also includes about 300 French military deployed in Estonia. Units at the company level will represent the United States, Latvia and Lithuania.

Military personnel from Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Ukraine and Georgia, armored vehicles, as well as aircraft of the USA, Poland, Belgium and Spain participate in the exercises.

During the exercises that last three weeks, the ability of soldiers will be assessed, the level of combat training, as well as the interaction of infantry with various types of armed forces and allies, the activities of headquarters and units, will be evaluated. The exercises "Spring Storm" should end on May 26.

On March 18, it became known that the first military personnel of the NATO quick response group arrived in Estonia. The battalion group that will be placed in the country will have 1,200 military personnel.

On July 8, the heads of 28 states at the NATO summit in Warsaw decided to strengthen the military presence in the eastern part of the alliance. In Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, four multinational battalions will be placed on a rotational basis.

Leaders also decided on the initial combat readiness (Initial Operational Capability) of the EuroPro system. In addition, cyberspace is recognized as a new operational area. NATO countries will pay more attention to computer security and protection against cyber attacks. The summit participants also confirmed the readiness to spend more funds on defense.

The head of the alliance Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that "NATO does not pose any threat to any country" and continues to look for ways of constructive dialogue with Russia.