The two-week military exercises, which are due to kick off on May 2, will engage over 13,000 troops, members of the Estonian Defence League, and servicemen from 13 countries, according to the statement. The drills are aimed at evaluating the capabilities of reservists and land forces personnel.
Earlier on Monday, Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas visited the country's General Staff and received an overview of the drills, the statement added. He noted that that success of the upcoming military drills would depend on the efforts of a large number of people and particularly urged the reservists' families and employers to provide the necessary support. The previous Siil drills were held in 2015.
Earlier, the NATO Secretary General said that the alliance would maintain an increased military presence in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe, citing the alleged Russian threat as the main reason for the military buildup.
