Estonian Navy ships will take part in the NATO naval exercises Baltops 2020, which will start on June 7 in the southwestern part of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Germany and Denmark.
This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the press service of the main headquarters of the Estonian Defense Forces.
“In the Baltops 2020 exercises, which will be held from June 7 to 16, the Estonian Navy will be attended by a divers division, a minesweeper Sakala, as well as a Wambola headquarters ship, for a total of about 80 sailors,” the statement said.
It is noted that “in total, 3 thousand people from 19 countries will take part in the exercises, 29 ships and 29 aircraft and helicopters will be presented.”
The ministry explained that “the purpose of the exercises is to increase the interaction of the participating countries in conducting joint land, air and sea operations in the Baltic Sea region”.
Baltops exercises are held every year (since 1971) under the auspices of the US Navy European Command (NAVEUR). In 2019, 18 countries – members of the alliance took part in the maneuvers. In total, 44 warships, 40 aircraft and helicopters, as well as about 12 thousand military personnel, were involved.