Allied Exercise Siil 22: US, Estonian, Danish and British troops train together

 

Video Source: U.S. MILITARY CENTRAL

The Estonian Defence Forces proved their skills against a simulated invading force during Allied Exercise Siil 22.

Meaning “Hedgehog” in Estonian, Siil showed how the Estonian Defence Forces, much like the forest animal common to the Baltics, have unique defensive capabilities. The exercise, which takes place every three to four years, activates Estonia’s wide network of reserve, volunteer and conscript forces, and tasks them with responding to a breach of sovereignty. According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the 2022 iteration is one of the largest held since Estonia regained its independence in 1991.

Infantry and armoured units assigned to NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Estonia – including troops from the Danish and UK armies – simulated an opposing force during the exercise, giving the Estonian troops a chance to test themselves against a modern, highly manoeuvrable foe.