A large-scale military exercise, Spring Storm, involving thousands of soldiers from different countries, starts in Estonia.

The exercise will take place in the western part of the country and on the islands until May 17.

The military exercises will be divided into three main stages. From May 6 to 12, units will be formed and the cooperation will be practiced.

From May 13 to 17, major training battles will take place in western Estonia, including the islands. About 14,000 participants from 15 countries will be involved in the exercises.

This year, for the first time, Spring Storm is also involving the local population in the exercise, including raising awareness of the dangers.

It is noted that the maneuvers would affect road users.

The main training units of this year’s Spring Storm are the 2nd Infantry Brigade and the Western Land Defense District of Estonia.

The exercises involve active military aviation activities throughout Estonia using various types of aircraft, such as planes, helicopters and drones.

The Spring Storm is the largest annual exercise of the defense forces, which aims to train various units of the Estonian army and interact with NATO allies.

Military personnel from Estonia, the USA, the UK, Latvia, Poland, Italy, France and Denmark usually take part in these exercises.

“Conducting exercises is an important part of deterrence and shows the potential aggressor that we pay great attention to training even in a difficult situation,” it was stated about these exercises in Estonia.

As previously reported, the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces suggested preparing for a possible blockade of the Baltic Sea.