Ramstein, Germany – From May 5 to 23, 2025, Allied forces demonstrate interoperability and integration during Exercise Hedgehog 25. Allied nations Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, join Estonia participating in Estonia’s largest annual military exercise focused on defensive multi-domain operations. Over 16,000 personnel from the land, sea, and air domains are deployed in supporting of exercise Hedgehog 25.
The large-scale multinational exercise, which takes place in Estonia, is aimed at enhancing interoperability, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defensive capabilities, and improving Allied readiness to respond to any security challenges.
This forward deployment of troops from Malbork to Amarï allows us to extend the Typhoons mission time
Four Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets from the Royal Air Force, based in Malbork, Poland, on NATO’s Air Policing mission, forward deployed to Estonia to contribute to the exercise. The relocation of the Air Policing assets highlights the agility and flexibility in basing options for Allied jets in the Baltic region.
Sqn Ldr Morrison-Smith, Typhoon Detachment Commander at Amarï Air Base said, “This forward deployment of troops from Malbork to Amarï allows us to extend the Typhoons mission time. Hot Pit refuelling allows aircraft to be rapidly refuelled on the ground and returned to the air. This allows us to be an extremely agile force, providing aircraft with the option to refuel via air-to-air tankers or these forward refuelling points that can be established at short notice.”
Exercise Hedgehog provides valuable opportunities for NATO air forces to enhanced coordination, communication and camaraderie in a realistic training environment. Photo Courtesy of the Romanian Air Force.
Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets from the Royal Air Force, based in Malbork, Poland, forward deployed to Estonia for exercise Hedgehog demonstrating the flexibility of Allied assets. Photo Courtesy of the Royal Air Force.
Romanian F-16 currently deployed on NATO's Air Policing mission in Lithuania, join Exercise Hedgehog for Close Air Support and Air Interdiction missions. Photo Courtesy of the Romanian Air Force
Romanian F-16, from the CARPATHIAN VIPERS detachment deployed on NATO's Air Policing mission in Šiauliai, Lithuania, joined the exercise performing Close Air Support (CAS) and Air Interdiction (AI) within the framework of operations to counter the enemy's surface forces (Air Power Contribution to Counter Land Operations - APCLO).
The air component of the exercise featured an array of aircraft, from the fighter jets to transport helicopters. These assets are conducting various missions to simulate real-world scenarios and test the readiness of Allied forces. The integration of air assets with ground and naval units underscores NATO's operational cohesion.
NATO's air mobility capabilities were utilised in an operation on May 9, infantry units were moved from Latvia to Estonia using CH-47 Chinook helicopters provided by the Royal Air Force. The airlift assets proving the alliances the flexibility to move personnel and joint logistics to enhance force projection.
The Estonian Defence Forces showcased advancements in their air defence systems during the exercise. The 1st Infantry Brigade achieved combat readiness, integrating new technologies such as thermal imaging sights and advanced targeting systems into their anti-aircraft units. These enhancements, including the deployment of the Mistral missile system, aimed to improve the brigade's ability to counter aerial threats effectively.
Exercise Hedgehog 2025 served as a preparatory event for the Estonian Division's participation in NATO's Steadfast Deterrence 25 and Griffin Lightning 25 exercises. These exercises focus on strategic deterrence and regional defence planning, with air operations playing a crucial role in ensuring rapid response capabilities and maintaining air superiority in contested environments.
The exercise provides valuable opportunities for NATO air forces to refine their tactics, techniques, and procedures through realistic training and operating in a joint and multinational context, aircrews and ground personnel enhanced their coordination, communication and camaraderie.
The integration of air assets with other domains during the exercise exemplifies NATO's comprehensive approach to collective defence and its readiness to address emerging security challenges.