November 8, 2022
2 mins read

UK and Estonia commit to closer defence cooperation

These forces will regularly exercise in Estonia and the first exercise, Spring Storm, is planned for May 2023…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom will periodically deploy helicopters to Estonia as part of enhancing our nations’ deep defence relationship built on shared interests and values. The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hosted his counterpart Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur in London for a meeting, during which the Ministers committed to stronger ties and issued a joint statement. A Guard of Honour welcomed Minister Pevkur on arrival.

The Ministers signed a roadmap which sets out a shared plan to implement commitments made at the NATO Summit in Madrid earlier this year. The roadmap will see a more capable UK presence in Estonia, continuing our commitment to deter aggression and defend European and NATO security.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said, “The UK’s commitment to Estonia and European defence and security is unwavering. The deployment of assets such as Apache and Chinook helicopters to exercise in Estonia is a clear example of the strength of our relationship, and the importance we place on our ability to effectively operate side by side.”

Estonia Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said, “In the roadmap, Estonia have committed to start the development of an Estonian warfighting Division which will ensure coordinated use of national and allied forces in the defence of Estonia. This work will be supported by the UK, who are providing training and mentoring through an advisory team and close links with the UK’s 3rd Division.”

The UK has an enhanced forward presence (eFP) Battlegroup in Estonia, and this deployment will be enhanced through divisional-level assets such as short range air defence and multiple rocket launch systems in the country. These will be augmented with periodic deployments of additional capabilities including Apache and Chinook helicopters. The first of these surges will begin January 2023, when Chinook Helicopters will deploy to Estonia.

From April 2023, the UK’s eFP Headquarters in Estonia will be led by a Brigadier, enhancing the HQ’s capabilities. In addition, the UK will hold a Brigade sized force at high readiness in the UK, ready to reinforce Estonia and the Baltics at a time of need. These forces will regularly exercise in Estonia and the first exercise, Spring Storm, is planned for May 2023.

Estonia is supporting these plans by building four additional accommodation halls and other necessary support facilities at Tapa Camp which will be completed before the exercise begins.

ALSO READ-UAE and Estonia to expand space collaboration at Expo 2020

Previous Story

Assembly polls a litmus test for J&K political parties

Next Story

Aruna Miller becomes 1st ever Indian American to win LG race in Maryland

Latest from -Top News

Taliban’s Grave Warning for Pakistan

It came less than 24 hours after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly issued a stern warning to Afghan Taliban…reports Asian Lite News As relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to deteriorate,

US deports 2,790 Indians in 2025

The MEA on Thursday confirmed that over 2,790 Indians were deported from the US this year after authorities verified their identity and nationality….reports Asian Lite News The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on

India–Cyprus talks on future plan

EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support for India on cross-border terrorism….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met in New Delhi on Thursday

Rajnath Singh off for ASEAN meet

Singh is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from the participating ADMM-Plus nations ..reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed for Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to attend the 12th
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK Front Pages 30/06: Political Turmoil and Social Tensions: A Week of Controversies

Newspapers have carried stories of significant political and social upheaval,

Sunak in hot water over £400,000 swimming pool  

According to the Daily Mail, the former Chancellor of Exchequer