British Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems, including UK M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), have taken part in a live-fire NATO exercise in Estonia, as allied forces trained to strengthen combat readiness, the UK Defence Journal understands.
NATO troops in Estonia completed the five-day exercise in February, with armoured units from Estonia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States operating together on a snow-covered training ground. The drills involved engaging targets at varying ranges while manoeuvring in deep winter conditions, reflecting the operational environment on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
A wide range of platforms were fielded during the exercise, including Estonian CV90 vehicles, French AMX-10 armoured vehicles, British Challenger 2 tanks, Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzers and MLRS systems, alongside U.S. M1A2 Abrams tanks. Footage released from the activity shows British and American systems conducting live firing as part of the training.
British tanks and rocket artillery open fire in Estonia as UK-led #NATO forces complete a five-day live-fire exercise in winter conditions. pic.twitter.com/ckx0MtPlHQ
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) March 28, 2026
While NATO battlegroups frequently train using blank ammunition to conserve stockpiles, live-fire exercises remain a key component of readiness. They allow troops to experience the effects, handling and coordination required when operating with live munitions under realistic conditions.
The United Kingdom leads NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Estonia, which consists of around 1,500 personnel, including troops from the UK, France and Iceland. U.S. forces are also stationed in the country under a bilateral agreement and regularly train alongside NATO units, contributing to integrated operations in the region.
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Was that a factory standard M270? as the LDS was slow and only in on direction, could be a B1 but I thought they were all gifted to Ukraine. Not an A2 as the cab is wrong and LDS far too slow.
It’s been recapitalised with a new LLM and IAC, CFCS.
Not the one in video is an old Launcher, most is had in bowman and software up dates. Never heard of a new LLM new Lds, yes LLM no. No idea what IAC is, but I know the vehicle in video. 48KJ 84
My apologies. I was just having some fun with military initialisms.
‘new Launcher Loader Modules (LLM), the installing of the Improved Armored Cab (IAC) and the installing of a Common Fire Control System (CFCS).’ Defence Journal 2022
All supposed to be complete by May this year, apparently…
Two were fully up graded they are at the RSA, no others have yet been up graded that have been anounced, the one firing in new video is an old basic MLRS, we have no other up graded ones all the B1s were gifted to Ukraine.
‘Par for the course’
Lucky there isn’t a war on…
All is good, every thing in the entire under armed forces will be fixed and in service in 2031 those in charge have said so, thats a wieght of every one minds , job done.
Never in doubt…
Martin, the trouble is that the German CGS has just said that they expect war in 2029!
Well we will have miss that one but really realy for the next one. God help us if there was we will not be ready or much use.
Could be an American Launcher Martin.
no its 48 KJ 84, its a UK, European built un up dated Lancher, with is factory fit LDS/LLM, might have an up graded FCS/GPS/Bowmen at best but not B1 like the ones used in Afghan we gave them to Ukraine. And the only 2 A2’s we have are at the RSA after test firing in the USA at White Sands.
MoD does itself no favours by showing just one tank or one MLRS live firing in its stills or videos. The ‘knockers’ have a field day.