A striking image shared by the Royal Armoured Corps captures a Eurofighter Typhoon flying low over a soldier during NATO exercises in Estonia.
The photograph shows off the close collaboration between air and ground forces as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) initiative, designed to deter aggression and protect its eastern flank.
The NATO Battlegroup in Estonia is a multinational unit led by the British Army, stationed in Estonia as part of NATO’s EFP. This forward-deployed force was established in 2016 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, with the aim of deterring potential aggression in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe.
EFP battlegroups are deployed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria to bolster regional security and ensure that any attack on a NATO member would invoke Article 5, the principle of collective defence.
Although the forces are not large enough to threaten Russia directly, their presence sends a clear message: any aggression would involve confronting NATO soldiers from multiple member states, raising the stakes for potential adversaries.
The Role of Forward Air Controllers
A key element of these exercises involves Forward Air Controllers (FACs), also known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) within NATO. FACs are highly trained specialists who provide critical coordination between ground forces and air assets during close air support (CAS) missions.
They are responsible for:
- Identifying and communicating targets to attack aircraft.
- Minimising risks of civilian casualties and friendly fire incidents.
- Authorising each step of an air engagement.
In NATO Battlegroup Estonia, soldiers, including those from the Royal Dragoon Guards are being trained to call in fast air missions.
The training exercises in Estonia also involve close coordination with Baltic Air Policing, NATO’s mission to safeguard the airspace over the Baltic states.
The Royal Armoured Corps described the collaboration, tweeting:
“NATO Battlegroup Estonia not only has trained Joint Terminal Attack Controllers but soldiers at all levels learning to call in fast air missions… They’re working hand-in-hand with Baltic Air Policing on multiple joint training.”
Fast Air…
NATO Battlegroup Estonia not only has trained Joint Terminal Attack Controllers but soldiers at all levels learning to call in fast air missions including troops from @ArmdCavRDG.
They’re working hand-in-hand with Baltic Air Policing on multiple joint training pic.twitter.com/CUozdWMzcC— Royal Armoured Corps (@RoyalArmdCorps) January 9, 2025
Top marks to the Photographer 📷 👍
RDG are a good outfit, versatile proud regiment