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Exercise Hedgehog 25: NATO forces execute large-scale defence drills in Estonia Estonia is hosting one of the largest military exercises in its history. Known as exercise Hedgehog 25 — or Siil 2025 in Estonian — the operation sees 16,000 troops take part in a sweeping, multinational defence drill that spans the entire country. It’s a test of how Estonia and other NATO Allies would respond together in the face of a crisis. Led by the Estonian Defence Forces, Hedgehog 25 focuses on strengthening Estonia’s defence posture in close coordination with NATO Allies, particularly France and the United Kingdom. The exercise demonstrates the rapid deployment of Allied troops to Estonian territory and their seamless integration with local units. Simultaneously, the combat readiness of Estonia’s reservists, the Estonian Defence League, and regular forces are put to the test. The troops face diverse, complex scenarios, from river-crossings to armoured manoeuvres, designed to sharpen decision-making, improve tactical coordination, and ensure operational standards are met across the board. Exercise Hedgehog runs from 5 to 23 May. Click here to download the b-roll. Footage includes Estonian, French and UK soldiers, Challenger 2 tanks, Warrior fighting vehicles, Titan and Trojan armoured engineering vehicles. Soundbites from Lieutenant Colonel Grant Brown, Commander of 1 Mercian Battlegroup (Estonia) of the British Army.

NATO Secretary General meets the Dutch Prime Minister

NATO forces sharpen skills in Lithuania during Iron Wolf 2025 The Iron Wolf 2025 field training exercise took place in Lithuania with the participation of around 3,700 troops and 700 military vehicles from several NATO member countries including Czechia, Germany, Lithuania and Norway. The exercise saw troops from the Lithuanian Iron Wolf Infantry Brigade and the NATO multinational battlegroup Lithuania, integrated into the brigade and based in Rukla, train the planning and execution of defensive and offensive operations. The exercise culminated in an airborne assault operation executed by the US Army 173rd Airborne brigade which saw the operation transition to exercise Swift Response 2025. Click here to download the B-roll.  Footage includes mechanised infantry from Germany, Lithuania and Norway performing manoeuvres as well as a parachute drop from the US Army 173rd Airborne brigade alongside interviews with Lieutenant Colonel Malte Bolanz, German Armed Forces, and Major Andreas Hultgren, Norwegian Army. NATO Secretary General meets the President of Czechia On Wednesday 21 May, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, met with the President of Czechia, Mr Petr Pavel, at NATO Headquarters, in Brussels. Click here to download the joint press conference by the NATO Secretary General and the President of Czechia as well as footage of their bilateral meeting.  19 May 2025 NATO Secretary General meets the Prime Minister of the Netherlands On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, will receive the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr Dick Schoof, at NATO Headquarters, in Brussels. Media advisory 16:30 (CEST) Official handshake between the Secretary General and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands 17:10 (CEST) Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Media coverage Media representatives who have annual accreditation to NATO can attend the event in person.   Media representatives without annual accreditation who are interested in covering the event should email NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int. Please note that due to the short time to process applications, ad-hoc accreditation may not be guaranteed. This event is also open to media representatives who are confirmed accredited to the Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the President of Czechia.   The press statements will be streamed live on the NATO website and on X @NATOPress. A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be on the NATO website.   Video can be downloaded from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event. For general queries:  Contact the NATO Press Office 19 May 2025 NATO Secretary General meets the President of Czechia On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, will receive the President of Czechia, Mr Petr Pavel, at NATO Headquarters, in Brussels.   Media advisory 13:00 (CEST) Official handshake between the Secretary General and the President of Czechia 13:30 (CEST) Opening of the exhibition “NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days” in the NATO HQ Public Square 13:40 (CEST) Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the President of Czechia   Media coverage Media representatives who have annual accreditation to NATO can attend the event in person.   Media representatives without annual accreditation who are interested in covering the event should email NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int. Please note that due to the short time to process applications, ad-hoc accreditation may not be guaranteed.   The pool of visual media covering the official handshake will meet in front of the Press Shop at NATO HQ at 12:30.   The press statements will be streamed live on the NATO website and on X @NATOPress. A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be on the NATO website.   Video can be downloaded from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event. For general queries:  Contact the NATO Press Office