Estonia Launches Large-Scale International Military Exercise "Spring Storm"

The Spring Storm military exercises involving about 14,000 participants from 15 countries are set to begin in Estonia on 6 May. 

This was reported by the country's Ministry of Defence.

This year, the defence ministry will practice transmitting warning messages to the public for the first time.

The exercises will be divided into stages. From 6 to 12 May, units will be formed and cooperation will be practised, and from 13 to 17 May, the main training battles will take place.

This year's Spring Storm will involve local residents for the first time as part of a hazard awareness exercise. The manoeuvres will also affect road users.

The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the exercise will take place in the western part of the country and on the islands.

Various simulation devices are used during the exercises, including explosive rounds, training grenades and flares. The use of heavy equipment, aircraft and simulation equipment may generate more noise than normal. As loud noises can disturb both children and pets, the Defence Forces ask that frightened animals be kept in places where they can walk, and that children be explained the reason for what is happening.

Earlier, on 2 May, NATO exercises began in northern Sweden to practice supporting US troops as they move from Norway through Sweden to Finland.

Also, last week, Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurinas Kasciunas said that the US military battalion would remain in the country indefinitely, and not until the end of 2025, as previously planned.