The Estonian military has announced new military exercises in response to a possible Russian air threat, with several incursions by Russian aircraft and drones recorded in recent months, to the point where Poland has invoked NATO Article 4, which allows allies to request consultations if it believes the country’s national integrity is at risk.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine will inevitably affect the security of our region,” warned Air Force Commander Brigadier General Rivo Varge, who admitted this Friday that “violations of Estonian airspace by unmanned aircraft are rare.”
However, he stressed that these exercises provide the Estonian military with “the ability to respond more quickly” to a “possible” unwanted invasion, and that although “risks cannot be completely eliminated,” attempts can be made to reduce them through these training exercises.
As part of these operations, the defense of permanent military positions has been strengthened, surveillance units have been relocated, additional instructions have been given to those serving in surveillance units, and cooperation with other security agencies, such as the police and border authorities, has been strengthened.
Still, Estonia reiterated that there is “no imminent military threat” to the country and that “no conventional military action by Russia is foreseen in the near future,” adding that the risk of such airspace violations is increasing but “can be reduced through preventive measures.”
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