Oct 23 2023

NATO eFP Battlegroup Estonia showcases integration with Estonian Army during exercise Bold Fusilier

SZCZECIN, Poland - Conducted on October 8-13 in Tapa, Estonia, the combined arms exercise Bold Fusilier served to integrate the British-led NATO enhanced forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup into the Estonian 1st Infantry Brigade. The exercise saw multiple units from across the British, French and Estonian Armies, including reconnaissance, heavy armour, mechanised infantry and artillery.

The exercise was divided into several phases and encompassed a variety of scenarios, such as tactical defense and trench warfare. Delivering a hyper realistic training experience, it served to integrate the British and French detachments with their Estonian Allies, concerning procedures, standardization and interoperability. During Bold Fusilier, the participating soldiers engaged with Canadian and Polish troops from NATO eFP Battlegroup Latvia, who acted as the opposing force. Using a free thinking enemy increased difficulty, challenge and realism for the training units.

Since September 2023, NATO eFP Battlegroup Estonia has been led by Britain's own First Fusiliers. They are a premier armored infantry battlegroup. Specializing in delivering direct action through fire and maneuver, the Fusiliers also have a well-tried flexibility to rapidly take on light infantry missions. They serve alongside 300 troops from France who represent the French commitment to NATO's Allies in the Northeast.