Military vehicles on Estonian roads. Photo: Eesti Käitsevägi
From 5 to 23 May 2025, Estonia will host Siil 2025 (Hedgehog), a large-scale military exercise that will be the largest in the country’s history. More than 16,000 military personnel from Estonia and NATO allies, including the UK and France, will take part in the manoeuvres. This was reported by ERR.
The main goal of the exercise is to test the combat readiness of the Estonian Defence Forces and to practice the rapid deployment of allied forces in case of a threat. Particular attention will be paid to the integration of additional NATO units into the Estonian forces and their operational readiness.
The British Army will deploy about 1,500 troops from the 4th Brigade to Estonia, including two infantry battalions with Foxhound and Mastiff armoured vehicles, as well as a light cavalry squadron with Jackal reconnaissance vehicles. The support units will include snipers, artillery, anti-tank and machine gun crews, engineering and logistics units.
The French armed forces will also join the exercise, mainly with marines, complementing the contingent already present in NATO’s battlegroup in Estonia.
The troops will be deployed by air, sea and land, which will allow for various rapid response scenarios. The Estonian Defence Forces warn of a possible increase in military equipment on the country’s roads and ask citizens to be careful and patient as the convoys move.
Exercise Siil 2025 aims not only to improve readiness, but also to demonstrate NATO’s unity and resolve in ensuring security on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
