In Estonia on Monday, May 5, the largest international exercises of the year started – SIIL 2025 (“Hedgehog 2025”).
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Estonia, the purpose of the exercises is to verify the combat readiness of defense forces and their units in the international context, the assessment of the ability to respond to threats through practical actions, the development of quick and large -scale transfer of the allies to Estonia, checking the training of reserve and updating their skills, as well as improving measures to prevent regional military threats.
During the exercises, compliance will be verified by the standards for the implementation of tasks by units that are part of the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Division and the North-Eastern Defense District of the Cailiyt.
This year, special attention will be paid to the entry into Estonia of additional allied units, their reception and integration into the structure of the Estonian division, as well as the achievement of immediate combat readiness.
The Commander of the exercises Siil 2025 was appointed commander of the defense forces of Estonia, Major General Andrus Mili. The general leadership is carried out by the chief of the General Staff of the Defense Forces of Estonia, Major General Vakhur Karus.
Siil 2025 maneuvers take part in the defense forces of Estonia and NATO countries. The exercises of SIIL 2025 will be held from May 5 to 23, however, preparations for the arrival of the allies will begin in advance.
maneuvers will cover the entire territory of Estonia, the main hostilities will concentrate in two operational areas-the northeast and southeast. The main stages of the exercises will be held at the central training ground for the defense forces of Estonia, the Nursipalo training ground and in their environs. The rear operations will be worked out in the western, northern and central parts of the country.
In total, more than 16 thousand military personnel are expected. SIIL 2025 take place as part of the NATO exercises Steadfast Deterrance 25, which include planning and managing operations for containing and defending at the strategic and operational levels of the NATO united forces in Brunnsum, the Netherlands. In addition, Siil 2025 is a preparatory event for the participation of the Estonian division in the regional tactical exercises of the North-Eastern Corps Griffin Lightning 25, the General Staff of the Defense Forces of Estonia informs.