US Marines and French Infantry Conduct Amphibious Landing Exercise in Estonia as Part of Exercise Pikne

Joint Forces Land on Kaberneeme Beach

On Saturday, September 27, U.S. Marines conducted an amphibious landing exercise on Kaberneeme beach in Estonia. This strategic maneuver was part of Exercise Pikne, a multinational military drill designed to enhance interoperability and defensive capabilities among NATO allies. The U.S. forces were joined by French light infantry, who arrived at the beach via NH90 helicopters.

The exercise, which commenced in the early hours, saw U.S. Marines arriving by boat to practice reconnaissance activities. Later in the morning, the French light infantry company joined them, focusing on combat operations training.

Exercise Pikne: A Multinational Defensive Drill

Exercise Pikne, also known as 'Lightning,' is a two-week multinational exercise that began on September 18 and is scheduled to conclude on October 2, 2025. Led by the Estonian Defence Forces Division, the exercise involves approximately 3,000 service members from six allied nations.

Participating countries include:

• Estonia
• France
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Latvia
• Canada

The primary aim of Exercise Pikne is to practice the rapid deployment of allied units to Estonian territory and to repel a potential adversary as a cohesive multinational force.

Statements Emphasize Interoperability and Readiness

Officials highlighted the importance of such joint training. Cpl. Frank Sepulveda Torres of the U.S. Marine Corps' 2nd Division stated, 'The U.S. Marine Corps' 2nd Division, working with Estonian and French units, successfully carried out a large-scale amphibious landing and reconnaissance exercise. This joint exercise demonstrates our commitment to strengthening interoperability, improving responsiveness and advancing international cooperation in ensuring regional security. We will continue working closely with our allies to be prepared for unexpected crises, with the shared goal of protecting NATO interests and promoting stability across the Baltic region.'

Maj. Jeremy, commander of the French light infantry company, commented on the progress, saying, 'Training is going very well. This morning a French light infantry company landed here by helicopter and active combat exercises are now under way. Our main goal is to learn and train. Coordination between all participants is extremely important, and I would say we have managed it very well so far.'

Colonel Janno Märk, Exercise Pikne director and Chief of Staff of the Estonian Division, underscored the exercise's objective: 'The aim of the Pikne exercise is to practice the rapid deployment of allies to Estonia and, together with our units, the military defense of the country. We will test the readiness and interoperability of units from Estonia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Latvia, and Canada.'

Strategic Importance of the Exercise

The drill focused on several key areas:

• Rapid redeployment
• Reconnaissance
• Joint defense training

The exercise is defensive in nature, integrating allied operations across air, land, and sea domains. Lt. Alan Biin, deputy commander of a company in the Defense League's Northern Defense District, emphasized the practical benefits, stating, 'Our allies need to learn the Estonian terrain and we need to understand their way of thinking — how they act in different situations — so that if we have to work together in the future, we know what to expect.'