BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands – Exercise Pikne, a multinational, multi-domain exercise in Estonia involving more than 2,000 Allied troops from Estonia, the United Kingdom, France and Latvia over a two-week period, concluded on 15th Dec 2024.
The combined efforts of UK, French, Latvian, and Estonian forces underscored NATO’s solidarity, and interoperability
The exercise, also branded Brilliant Eagle as part of NATO's Vigilance activities, was led by Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), further solidifying its role in coordinating large-scale exercises across NATO.
Originally a bilateral initiative between Estonia and France, Exercise Pikne transformed into a comprehensive high-intensity exercise, providing an opportunity to train Alliance forces to quickly, cooperatively respond to threats in a variety of settings and conditions.
"NATO’s capability to respond is swift, our forces are interoperable, and our commitment is unyielding," said Lieutenant General Jean-Pierre Perrin, JFCBS Chief of Staff.
A notable aspect of the exercise was a significant French contribution, highlighting France’s commitment to collective security. French forces deployed a mix of ground, air, and naval assets to the exercise.
As the framework nation of NATO's Multinational Battle Group Estonia, the UK also played a pivotal role in the exercise. The UK’s integration of high-readiness units into Estonia’s national defence strategy has been a crucial factor in strengthening NATO’s defence posture on its eastern flank. The combined efforts of UK, French, Latvian, and Estonian forces underscored NATO’s solidarity, and interoperability.