British Troops Fly to Estonia

Around 100 British troops will fly into Estonia for military exercises as Britain and its Nato allies try to reassure the Baltic states they will be protected against Russian aggression.

The soldiers arrive a day after four RAF Typhoon fighter jets began patrolling the Baltic skies against Russian incursions, in a Nato air defence mission that has trebled in size since the Ukraine crisis began.

The troops of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will join Estonian troops for three weeks of war games amid increasing alarm in Nato’s eastern members over events in eastern Ukraine.

Commanders said the exercise, called Spring Storm, had been long planned, but it comes as politicians and defence chiefs debate how to respond to Russian moves in Ukraine.

America has already sent around 600 soldiers to the Baltic and to Poland on exercises and they are expected to stay in the region for the rest of the year.

Philip Hammond, Defence Secretary, will accompany the soldiers as they fly to Amari airbase and he will be met by the Estonian defence minister.

The British troops, which include the battalion’s tactical headquarters and Burma company, served alongside Estonian troops in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

A company of Estonian scouts was commanded by the regiment’s 2nd battalion in the province’s Nad-e Ali.

Lt Col George Maund, commanding officer of 1 Lancs, said: “The Battalion is delighted to be taking part in this important exercise and looking forward to building on the excellent relationship we have formed with Estonian Forces on operations in Afghanistan.

“This exercise gives my soldiers an excellent opportunity to develop joint operating skills with a long-standing and valued Nato partner and they are looking forward to the experience immensely”.

Mr Hammond said: “This exercise is about maintaining our close working relationships with our key allies in Eastern Europe and particularly the Estonian army with whom we enjoy a proud history of operating together, most recently in Afghanistan.

source : Telegraph