May 7, 2021
General Christopher G. Cavoli, Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, visited Estonia on May 6-7, 2021 to discuss the DEFENDER-Europe 21 joint military exercise, U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s commitment to peace and stability in Europe, and highlight U.S.-Estonia defense cooperation. During his visit, Gen. Cavoli met with senior leadership from the Estonian Ministry of Defense and the Estonian Defense Forces, including Ministry of Defense Permanent Secretary Kristjan Prikk, and Lieutenant General Martin Herem, Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, Major General Indrek Sirel, Deputy Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces and Brigadier General Veiko-Vello Palm, Chief of Staff of the Estonian Defense Forces.
“We have an incredibly strong bilateral relationship with Estonia and continue building interoperability across all domains. Our nations count on our forces being ready to defend the peace under any conditions. DEFENDER-Europe 21 provides us the best opportunity to hone our abilities alongside our allies and partners in this strategically important region so that collectively, we are ready to respond to any crisis that may arise.” — Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, U.S. Army and Europe Commanding General
“We appreciate the United States’ contribution to the security of our region, through regular joint exercises, involving different types of branches, and the presence of U.S. military troops and capability elements. That proves that the commitment of the United States to protect the region is steady. Strong transatlantic relations are key to ensuring European security .” — Kristjan Prikk, Estonian Ministry of Defense Permanent Secretary
DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries. DEFENDER-Europe 21 activities will take place in Estonia throughout May 2021. These exercises demonstrate that the United States’ defense cooperation with Estonia remains one of the most important pieces of our relationship. It also demonstrates the U.S. security commitment to NATO and sends a clear message to potential adversaries about our shared readiness to meet any global challenge.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa forces are strategically positioned across 104 countries to deter aggression and demonstrate U.S. commitment to peace and stability in Europe and Africa. U.S. Army Europe and Africa provides ready, combat-credible land forces to deter, and, if necessary, defeat aggression from any potential adversary in Europe and Africa. The U.S. Army Europe and Africa and Estonian Defense Forces continue to work together to achieve joint strategic objectives and guarantee stability in the region.
