UK Deployed Challenger 2 Tanks to Repel a Simulated Russian Invasion of Estonia

Approximately 1,500 British troops from the 4th Brigade were deployed to Estonia to participate in the annual large-scale Spring Storm exercises.

The exercises took place in the southeastern part of the country, and training scenarios were conducted within 25 km of the Russian border, reports UK Defence Journal, citing the UK Ministry of Defence.

The core of the British contingent during the exercises was the battalion tactical group of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The military’s main task was to practice defending against a possible Russian invasion in terrain that would need to be held in the event of a real conflict.

Challenger 2 main battle tanks were deployed to the training area to support the infantry.

In addition to combat coordination with other NATO members, the units tested the movement of heavy armored vehicles and the deployment of command posts in field conditions.

The British Ministry of Defense emphasized that these maneuvers demonstrate the deployment of NATO’s Forward Land Force. This concept involves maintaining a permanent British presence in Estonia with the allocation of an additional brigade that stands ready for immediate deployment to reinforce allies.

British troops have been stationed in Estonia since 2017 as part of Operation Cabrit, which was the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced forward presence to deter Russia following the annexation of Crimea.

The Spring Storm exercise is the Estonian Defense Forces’ main annual field maneuver.

Traditionally, these exercises involve not only foreign allied units but also Estonian career soldiers, reservists, and conscripts.

It is worth noting that thanks to joint exercises with the Ukrainians, the Estonian Defense Forces have significantly improved their capabilities in the field of drones over the past year.

According to a Ukrainian soldier with the call sign “Nick,” who participated in the Estonian exercises for the second time, the infantry now responds quickly to drones, and the overall organization of the troops has improved significantly.