On May 5, the large-scale NATO exercise Siil 2025 began in Estonia, in which more than 16,000 military personnel from the member countries of the Alliance are participating. About this informs ERR.
The purpose of the maneuvers is to improve defense skills and strengthen cooperation with NATO allies. The exercises take place within the framework of the Steadfast Deterrence 25 and Griffin Lightning 25 programs and cover the entire territory of Estonia. The most active combat episodes are planned in the northeast and southeast of the country, in particular at the Central training ground of the Defense Forces and at the Nursipal training ground.
The exercises involve Estonian units, as well as military personnel from 11 NATO member states, including Great Britain, the United States, France, Germany and other partners. In addition, international observers from Ukraine, Japan and Israel arrived in Estonia. This year, for the first time as part of such exercises, the early warning system will be tested — sirens will sound in more than 20 settlements, covering approximately 65% of the country’s population.
“Trainees will make every effort to avoid accidental harm. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to completely avoid it.” – warned the military.
We will remind that in October 2024, NATO conducted a two-week nuclear exercise called Steadfast Noon, in which more than 2,000 military personnel and 60 aircraft were involved.
