What happened
NATO's largest command exercise, Steadfast Duel 26, has begun, with Estonia participating as a national command element. The exercise, which runs until October 15, aims to test the alliance's command structures and defense plans in practice. Estonia's component of the exercise will focus on rehearsing procedures at the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) HQ and testing coordination between NATO staffs at different levels.
The exercise is the first Article 5 exercise to incorporate all 32 NATO member states, including new members Sweden and Finland. It is also the largest computer-assisted command post exercise (CAX/CPX) taking place this year. Estonia's national lead for the exercise, Maj. Gen. Vahur Karus, stated that the exercise allows the country to rehearse its own war plans in tandem with those of NATO and neighboring states.
Estonian participation in the exercise includes various EDF units, allied nations with a presence in Estonia, the NATO staff element in Estonia, the volunteer Estonian Defense League, and various military and civilian agencies and law enforcement bodies. The exercise is being led by NATO's Joint Warfare Center based in Norway and is being held in cooperation with US European Command (USEUCOM).
