Prime Minister Michal at Spring Storm: Estonia’s defence capability relies on our dedicated people and strong allied relationships

According to the Prime Minister, Spring Storm demonstrates the strength of Estonia's defence capability: well-prepared units, motivated people, and close cooperation with allies. "Our Defence Forces, the reservists and conscripts who have come to the exercise, are hardworking and committed to strengthening Estonia's defence capability. Their readiness and sense of responsibility provide reassurance to Estonian society as a whole," Michal said.

The Prime Minister stressed that defending Estonia is a joint effort, in which the Defence Forces, the Defence League, reservists, and allies all play an important role. "We are not alone. The presence and contribution of allies at Spring Storm once again confirms that Estonia's security is part of broader collective defence. Training together strengthens our interoperability and deterrence," the Prime Minister noted.

The visit began at the Taara base, where the Prime Minister was received by the officer in charge of Spring Storm, Major General Indrek Sirel, who provided an overview of the exercise's objectives, course, and participating units. The Prime Minister then visited units in the Võru-Antsla area and observed the activities of a HIMARS artillery battery.

Spring Storm 2026 takes place from 4 May to 1 June primarily in Põlva, Tartu, Valga, Viljandi, and Võru counties, as well as in north-eastern Latvia. The exercise involves land, air, and naval units, including the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades, the Support Command, the Cyber Command, the Air Force, the Navy, and other units of the Defence Forces and the Defence League.

From allied and partner countries, representatives of the armed forces of the United States, Italy, Canada, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, France, Sweden, Romania, Germany, Finland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom are participating in the exercise.

Spring Storm is the Defence Forces' largest exercise of the year, during which the planning and execution of military operations are practised and cooperation between Estonian and allied units is enhanced. Participants include professional soldiers, conscripts, reservists, Defence League members, and soldiers from allied and partner countries.

Estonian Defence Forces photo gallery: Peaministri Kristen Michali visiit 22.05.2026

Kommunikatsioonibüroo, Riigikantselei