Estonia Tests NATO Reinforcement Rapid Deployment in Pikne Military Drills

Estonia kicked off a two-week-long international military exercise, Pikne , aimed at testing the rapid deployment of allied reinforcements in support of Estonia’s NATO multinational battle group and local defense forces, reported the Estonian Ministry of Defense on December 2.

Estonia’s Defense Division is leading the exercise, which involves forces from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latvia.

Colonel Janno Märk, Chief of Staff of the Estonian Defense Division, emphasized the exercise’s significance, stating, “French forces will practice deploying units to Estonia by air and sea on short notice to join us and other allies in defending NATO territory.”

He added, “We will test the interoperability of various nations, branches, and units. While we have extensive experience working with France, the UK, and the US in crisis zones, we must now be prepared for seamless joint combat on our own soil.”

Running from December 2 to 15, the primary activities will be concentrated in northern and northeastern Estonia, with joint naval exercises involving Estonian and French navies taking place in the Gulf of Finland. During the first week, the focus will be on troop deployment and tactical exercises, followed by live-fire drills at the Sirgala training ground in the second week.

Despite the proximity to Estonia’s eastern border, the exercise remains defensive in nature.

It will involve coordinated actions across land, sea, and air, including low-altitude flights and the use of blank ammunition for simulated combat scenarios.

The exercise includes approximately 2,000 military personnel from Estonia and allied nations.

Pikne is part of NATO’s Vigilance Activity Brilliant Eagle, which focuses on enhancing the alliance’s rapid deployment and interoperability in the Baltic region. NATO’s multinational battle groups are currently stationed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Earlier, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur called for increased investment in Ukraine’s defense industry during his remarks at the Halifax International Security Forum.