NATO: French soldiers take part in a major exercise in Estonia

2023-05-20T17:08:27.657Z

Highlights: "Springstorm" is the code name of the major military exercise that runs until May 26 in Estonia. This year, 400 French soldiers are participating, notably with the dispatch of paratroopers who have joined the military already serving in NATO's multinational battalion. The scenario of the Estonian military exercise is the triggering of Article 5 of NATO. The France deployed six Caesar guns to Estonia. Another opportunity for Paris to show its involvement in the defense of NATO's eastern flank. More than 14,000 soldiers in total are involved in this Estonia military exercise.

"Springstorm" is the code name of the major military exercise that runs until May 26 in Estonia. This year, 400 French soldiers are participating, in particular with the sending of paratroopers who...

Report

NATO: French soldiers take part in a major exercise in Estonia

Audio 01:10

Soldiers take part in a military exercise in Estonia, May 19, 2023. (Illustrative image) AFP - JAAP ARRIENS

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

"Springstorm" is the code name of the major military exercise that runs until May 26 in Estonia. This year, 400 French soldiers are participating, notably with the dispatch of paratroopers who have joined the military already serving in NATO's multinational battalion.

Advertising

With our correspondent in Tapa, Marielle Vitureau

At 7:30 am this Saturday, May 20, the first French paratroopers landed in a large field in northern Estonia. They left Orleans four hours earlier. With their package on their shoulders, they will progress through the forest to reach their positions and participate in the Estonian counterattack. They will spend more than 24 hours without rest. The scenario of the Estonian military exercise is the triggering of Article 5 of NATO.

We want to show them that we are able to commit additional forces quickly. It is a message of deterrence. We show our partners that if necessary, we would be there very quickly," explains Lieutenant-Colonel Bros, who heads the French military in Estonia.

A new day in Estonia#OTAN pic.twitter.com/D8EFAO6EY6

— Marielle Vitureau (@MVitureau) May 20, 2023

For paratroopers, the exercise also has its interest, he continues: "I think the difficulties will come more from the nature of the soil. It's quite swampy, quite channeling for vehicles and units on foot. And then, with the swamps, we have all the constraints that are related to the mosquito for example.

More than 14,000 soldiers in total are involved in this Estonian military exercise. It will end with a shooting exercise. The France deployed six Caesar guns to Estonia. Another opportunity for Paris to show its involvement in the defense of NATO's eastern flank.

NATO: French soldiers take part in a major exercise in Estonia

NATO: French soldiers take part in a major exercise in Estonia

Trends 24h

Latest