NATO launches Article 5 command exercise involving 32 countries — ERR News

Estonia has joined NATO's Steadfast Duel 26 command-post exercise, which will test the Alliance's command structures and defence plans in practice. As ERR News reports, this is the first NATO Article 5 exercise involving all 32 member states, including the Alliance's newest members, Finland and Sweden.

The year's largest command-post exercise

Steadfast Duel 26 is NATO's largest computer-based command-post exercise this year. It will run until 15 October under the leadership of NATO's Joint Warfare Centre, based in Norway, in cooperation with the United States European Command. Military and civilian representatives from all NATO member states are taking part in the exercise.

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Estonia's participation

The Estonian part of the exercise focuses primarily on practising procedures at the Estonian Defence Forces Headquarters and testing coordination between NATO headquarters at different levels. Major General Vahur Karus, commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Headquarters, said that Steadfast Duel is a key exercise for NATO command structures, during which military plans are practised.

According to him, Estonia is participating as a national command element, enabling it to practise its own defence plans together with NATO and neighbouring countries. Units of the Estonian Defence Forces, military personnel from allied countries stationed in Estonia, NATO's headquarters element in the country, the voluntary Estonian Defence League, military and civilian institutions, and law enforcement agencies are also involved.