The operation took place on Thursday, with one of the M2A4 Bradley vehicles seen loading onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Tartu Airport. The exercise, conducted jointly by the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, also involves the British Armed Forces and the Estonian Defence Forces. The event is designed to test and showcase the ability to mobilise troops and armoured vehicles swiftly across multiple airfields in the Baltics.
According to the U.S. Army, the Immediate Response Package highlights the Army’s capacity to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank on short notice. “This exercise highlights our continued commitment to deter adversaries and assure regional security along NATO’s eastern flank,” the Army stated. The event is part of broader efforts to ensure interoperability between allied forces and signal readiness amid rising tensions along NATO’s borders.
The M2A4 Bradley is an upgraded infantry fighting vehicle equipped with enhanced armour and digital targeting systems, reflecting the U.S. Army’s modernisation efforts to address near-peer conflicts. Deploying these platforms directly to critical infrastructure in Estonia demonstrates the capability to reinforce NATO allies rapidly and effectively.
British and Estonian forces played a key role in coordinating the deployment, providing logistical and security support throughout the operation. Estonian military officials welcomed the exercise, emphasising the importance of allied presence in deterring threats to regional stability.
The deployment of Bradley Fighting Vehicles is seen as a clear message of preparedness and unity from the U.S. and its allies. “Deploying armoured assets like the M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicle directly onto critical infrastructure in Estonia demonstrates the ability to reinforce allies quickly and effectively,” a U.S. Army representative said.
Source: U.S. Army.
