Lightning strikes twice as this year's Exercise Pikne proves bigger than ever
An Estonian-led exercise involving nearly 3,000 military personnel from the UK, Estonia, Latvia, France and the United States has drawn to a close.
Exercise Pikne – which means lightning – ran over the past two weeks, with elements of the exercise taking place in various parts of the country.
The aim was to practise the rapid deployment of allied units to Estonian territory and the repulsion of a potential enemy as a multinational force.
Exercise director Colonel Janno Märk, explained how Pikne included air and sea landings.
In one scenario, French paratroopers carried out a rapid deployment to Estonia from the air, while US Marines conducted a sea landing.
Another saw French soldiers conduct live-fire training with a 120mm mortar.
After engaging targets, the system was rapidly dismantled, airlifted by helicopter and redeployed to a new firing position.
The Estonian Defence Forces posted on X: "This manoeuvre highlights the mobility, precision and interoperability of allied forces, strengthening Nato's collective defence."
The first week of the exercise focused on unit deployment and combat training, while the second week featured live-fire exercises at the Nursipalu training area and Rutja.
Noise-making simulation devices were used during the exercise to add a greater sense of authenticity.
Civilians had been warned that there would be more military activity on the roads than usual.
The Estonian Defence Forces had urged the need for increased caution in traffic, asking fellow road users for their patience and understanding.
Exercise Pikne is gathering momentum, as last year's iteration, which took place in December, saw 2,000 personnel compared with the nearly 3,000 of the 2025 exercise.
Nato multinational battlegroups are stationed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.
The United Kingdom, France and Iceland are currently contributing to Estonia's defence as part of the allied enhanced forward presence.
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