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• UK Apache and Chinook helicopters to deploy to Estonia periodically from January 2023.
• Exercise Spring Storm will take place in Estonia in May next year 鈥� part of more regular deployments high readiness forces.
• UK to support development of Estonia鈥檚 warfighting Division and provide a Brigadier to lead the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup.

皇冠体育app United Kingdom will periodically deploy helicopters to Estonia as part of enhancing our nations鈥� deep defence relationship built on shared interests and values. 皇冠体育app Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hosted his counterpart Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur in London for a meeting, during which the Ministers committed to stronger ties and issued a joint statement. A Guard of Honour welcomed Minister Pevkur on arrival.

皇冠体育app Ministers signed a roadmap which sets out a shared plan to implement commitments made at the earlier this year. 皇冠体育app roadmap will see a more capable UK presence in Estonia, continuing our commitment to deter aggression and defend European and NATO security.

In the roadmap, Estonia have committed to start the development of an Estonian warfighting Division which will ensure coordinated use of national and allied forces in the defence of Estonia. This work will be supported by the UK, who are providing training and mentoring through an advisory team and close links with the UK鈥檚 3rd Division.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

皇冠体育app UK鈥檚 commitment to Estonia and European defence and security is unwavering. 皇冠体育app deployment of assets such as Apache and Chinook helicopters to exercise in Estonia is a clear example of the strength of our relationship, and the importance we place on our ability to effectively operate side by side.

Estonia Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said:

皇冠体育app roadmap we signed today is a firm step forward in fulfilling the commitments taken in Madrid. It will be a guide for us in moving towards more specific task assignment. 皇冠体育app surges of UK forces in Estonia planned for 2023 represent a very welcome and significant opportunity to further work together. We commend the UK forces for the exemplary commitment and dedication they continuously show.

皇冠体育app UK has an , and this deployment will be enhanced through divisional-level assets such as short range air defence and multiple rocket launch systems in the country. 皇冠体育appse will be augmented with periodic deployments of additional capabilities including Apache and Chinook helicopters. 皇冠体育app first of these surges will begin January 2023, when Chinook Helicopters will deploy to Estonia.

From April 2023, the UK鈥檚 eFP Headquarters in Estonia will be led by a Brigadier, enhancing the HQ鈥檚 capabilities. In addition, the UK will hold a Brigade sized force at high readiness in the UK, ready to reinforce Estonia and the Baltics at a time of need. 皇冠体育appse forces will regularly exercise in Estonia and the first exercise, Spring Storm, is planned for May 2023.

Estonia is supporting these plans by building four additional accommodation halls and other necessary support facilities at Tapa Camp which will be completed before the exercise begins.

Separately, the UK will be providing Baltic Air Policing in Estonia from March to July 2023 using Typhoon aircraft and will continue to contribute to .

Estonia and the UK are both part of the , a group of ten European nations who work together in support of European security.