Large NATO exercises begin in Estonia near Russian border

Large two-week NATO exercise Pikne focusing on troop deployment and enhancing alliance cooperation begins today in northern and northeastern Estonia near the Russian border, Report informs via the Estonian Defense Forces headquarters.

"During the exercise, rapid deployment of French, British and Estonian forces will be practiced, as well as strengthening cooperation between them. The French Armed Forces units will conduct land and air operations to deploy forces to Estonia, after which they will conduct exercises to accomplish assigned tasks together with British and Estonian units," said Major General Indrek Sirel, commander of the Estonian Division and officer responsible for conducting the maneuvers.