The main evaluated formations were the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Division and designated units from the Regional Command Northeast of the Estonian Defence League. These units were officially declared combat-ready following thorough assessments conducted during the exercise.
“Today we can be more confident than we were three weeks ago when Exercise Hedgehog 25 began,” said Major General Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces and the commanding officer of the exercise. “Our reserve force is strong and capable, the solid training of our conscripts gives them the confidence needed to carry out combat operations, and our Allies stand strong by our side and are ready to support us with supplementary forces at any time.”
Major General Merilo also highlighted the importance of societal support in enabling such large-scale exercises. “The families of participating troops, the employers of reservists, and those who supported the exercise by allowing use of their property have made a significant contribution to strengthening the national defence,” he said.
Held for the fifth time, this year’s Exercise Hedgehog aimed to practise the execution of key tasks outlined in Estonia’s and regional defence plans. The training focused on cooperation with Allied forces, rapid deployment, and the immediate integration and combat readiness of these units within the Estonian Division.
The United Kingdom’s 4th Brigade and supplementary units from France were among the key Allied forces rapidly deployed to Estonia. Particular attention was paid to reception and integration procedures to ensure seamless joint operations.
Hedgehog 25 ran from 5 to 23 May, beginning with the formation of Estonian Defence Forces units. The first week focused on refreshing reservists’ skills and conducting field integration, leading up to simulated combat operations from 13 to 16 May and concluding with a live-fire phase between 19 and 23 May.
Live-fire exercises were held at the Estonian Defence Forces’ Central Training Area, Rutja area, and Nursipalu training area. These drills involved both Estonian and Allied troops and marked the operational peak of the exercise.
Participating Estonian units included the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces, the Estonian Division, Cyber Command, Support Command, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Intelligence Centre, Military Police, Estonian Military Academy, and the Estonian Defence League. NATO’s Battlegroup in Estonia and Forward Integration Unit also took part.
International participants included troops from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal. Observers and instructors from Japan, Israel, and Ukraine were also present.
Exercise Hedgehog 25 was held within the framework of NATO’s exercise Steadfast Deterrence 25, led by Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands. It also prepared Estonian forces for their role in the upcoming tactical-level exercise Griffin Lightning 25 under the Multinational Corps Northeast.
Source: Estonian Defence Forces.
