This year's Siil military exercise to be largest since Estonia restored independence

TALLINN - This year's Siil (Hedgehog) large-scale military exercise to be held in May will have more than 13,000 participants, which makes it the biggest military exercise since Estonia restored its independence.

The exercise will kick off on May 2 and it will last until May 14. This time the volunteer corps Kaitseliit (Defense League) will have the central role in carrying out tasks and practicing working together, spokespeople for the defense forces said. The units taking part in the exercise will operate in several regions, but the main exercises will be carried out in southern and southeastern parts of the country.

According to present plans, more than 13,000 uniformed people will take part in the exercise, therefore this year's Siil will be the largest military exercise since Estonia restored its independence in 1991.

Allies from the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Germany, Poland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Georgia, Ukraine and Ireland are to take part in the exercise.