The Government of the Republic of Estonia approved defence readiness exercise Okas

The Government of the Republic of Estonia decided to declare a defence readiness exercise Okas 24-2 (Quill), with up to 250 members of the Engineer Battalion (1st Infantry Brigade) and Air Defence Battery (Estonian Division) ordered to participate in the snap exercise (SNAPEX). Exercise Okas is of a defensive manner, aimed at practicing national defence activities. There is no immediate security threat to Estonia.

Based on the proposal by the Commander of Estonian Defence Forces, up to 250 reservists from the Engineer Battalion (1st Infantry Brigade) and Air Defence Battery (Estonian Division) have been ordered by the Government of Estonia to participate in the SNAPEX Okas 24-2 from December 3 to 15, 2024.

For reservists of Engineer Battalion (1st Infantry Brigade), the SNAPEX is conducted in a flexible manner. Based on the exercise plan, after conducting their assignments reservists are allowed to leave the unit location, but need to be in readiness to immediately return to service once summoned.

Reservists of Air Defence Battery (Estonian Division) will participate in readiness exercise Okas 24-2 from December 3 to 8.

All the reservists whose units are called to the exercise are obligated to immediately report to the designated assembly point.

Reservists called to duty can check their orders at the website www.kaitsevaeteenistus.ee. Called up reservists can receive additional information about the exercise from the phone number +372 8002525 and e-mail [email protected].

The main purpose of exercise Okas is to test the chain of command of national defence, from the decision of the Government of Estonia to achieving combat readiness of designated units in the rapid response structure.

The task of the Estonian Defence Forces and Estonian Defence League is to ensure that the country is constantly ready to defend itself and this needs to be practiced during exercises.

The Estonian national defence model, based on Estonian reserve military structures, has proven its vitality and effectiveness. Security does not happen by itself, which is why Estonia must organize regular exercises in peacetime in order to maintain and increase the ability of the reserve structure to react in a timely matter. The previous SNAPEX Okas was conducted in October, 2024.

Estonian Defence Forces regularly order reservists to larger and smaller exercises, such as Siil (Hedgehog) and Kevadtorm (Spring Storm), with a long, 120-day notice.