Preparations are under way at the Estonian Defence Forces Central Training Area, close to Tapa for the climax of Sabre Strike exercise. Members of the Estonian and Allied forces conducted training Friday which involved passing on control of areas as well as moving through positions.
„This is a very difficult manoeuvre that requires very good coordination and steadfast commanding,“ Commander of the 1. Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Veiko-Vello Palm said. „We gained good experience working with another brigade sized unit and I can say all went smoothly. The exercise Sabre Knight with the Danish Division as well as Sabre Strike with the Americans demonstrates that we conduct our exercises in a similar manner and this is another reason why co-operation with our allies has been so successful,” he added.
The Scouts Battalion and the attached U.S. infantry company moved through the U.S. Army 2. Cavalry Regiment’s positions and took over control of the area. Further activities of the Scouts Battalion and Allied Forces involved control of various objectives as well as elimination of the opposing forces from their areas.
In coming days, the participating forces are preparing for the exercise’s culmination where the joint services will be conducting a live fire exercise. The United States has brought jet fighters, attack helicopters, the rocket system HIMARS as well as M777 155mm artillery pieces.
Over 10,000 troops from 13 NATO Allied and partner nations are participating in the exercise Sabre Strike. The forces are positioned in all three Baltic nations with the activities in Estonia taking place at the Defence Forces Central Training Area, the Tapa military base and Ämari Air Force Base.