The United States has told Estonia that it will maintain its rotational military presence in the country, with a new unit due to arrive in November, according to the Estonian defence ministry.
“Estonia greatly values the presence of US forces and their contribution to security in the Baltic region. It is a cornerstone of Nato’s deterrence and defence posture, demonstrating that the allies are ready and united in defending its territory,” Martin Herem, the newly appointed defence minister, said.
US officials said the decision was separate from Washington’s continuing review of its military deployments. The incoming unit will be comparable in size and capability to the one that left Estonia in the spring, the defence ministry added.
The US Army’s 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment (6-9 CAV), completed its rotation in Estonia in the spring. The next rotation was then temporarily suspended pending a review of the structure of US forces.
A smaller contingent of US troops remained stationed at Reedo military base in southern Estonia.
