Multinational Exercise Pikne Wraps Up in Estonia
Exercise Pikne, a significant Estonian-led multinational military exercise, concluded on October 2, 2025, following two weeks of intensive defensive drills across various regions of Estonia. The exercise, which commenced on September 18, brought together approximately 3,000 soldiers from Estonia and several allied nations, culminating in live-firing exercises involving advanced artillery systems.
Strategic Objectives and Scope
The primary aim of Exercise Pikne was to practice the rapid deployment of allied units to Estonian territory and to enhance the military defense capabilities of the country against a potential adversary. Led by the Estonian Division, the exercise tested the readiness and interoperability of participating forces through a series of land, sea, and air maneuvers. Major General Indrek Sirel, Commander of the Estonian Division and head of the exercise, stated, 'Exercise Pikne, which we are organizing for the second year in a row, allows us to practice our units for wartime tasks with our allies.' He added, 'The presence of our allies increases our readiness and emphasizes the importance of cooperation in ensuring common security.'
Participating Forces and Training Locations
The large-scale exercise involved units from the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, alongside allied contingents from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Latvia, and Canada. Activities spanned across diverse geographical areas, including Saaremaa, western, northern, and southeastern Estonia, as well as the Gulf of Finland. Key training areas for live-firing included Nursipalu and Rutja. The exercise also featured complex operations such as air landings by French paratroopers and sea landings by US Marines, demonstrating multinational force projection capabilities.
Advanced Artillery Drills Highlight Conclusion
A significant highlight of the concluding phase was the live-firing of sophisticated artillery systems. Reservists from the Artillery Regiment conducted fire missions using HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) and French-made CAESAR (Camion Équipé d'un Système d'Artillerie) 155mm self-propelled guns. French 120mm mortars were also utilized during these drills. Colonel Marko Tomentšuk, Commander of the Artillery Regiment of the Estonian Division, noted the importance of such training, especially for new weapon systems, stating, 'Training is important, it is necessary for mastering any weapon system. The more complex the weapon system, the more practice is needed, and this must be done in realistic conditions.' The exercise also integrated reservists called up during the snap exercise Okas 25-2, further enhancing their skills with modern weaponry.
Reinforcing Regional Security
Exercise Pikne served as a critical component of NATO's ongoing vigilance activities, reinforcing the alliance's commitment to collective defense and regional stability in the Baltic Sea region. The successful execution of the exercise underscored the robust interoperability and rapid response capabilities of NATO forces, sending a clear signal of readiness to defend allied territory.
5 Comments
Bermudez
HIMARS and CAESARs in action! This is the technology needed to deter aggression.
Africa
Training with allies is undoubtedly vital for interoperability and collective defense. However, the sheer scale and frequency of these exercises raise questions about long-term resource allocation and environmental impact.
Muchacho
More war games? This just escalates tensions with Russia. We need diplomacy.
Habibi
It's good to see Estonia strengthening its defenses and integrating reservists. Yet, the article doesn't address the potential for miscalculation or accidental escalation when so many forces are operating in close proximity.
Mariposa
Crucial training for our defense. We need to be ready, especially now.