Estonia participates in NATO's largest Article 5 command drill, Steadfast Duel 26
NATO launched Exercise Steadfast Duel 26, its first Article 5 command drill involving all 32 members, with Estonia rehearsing its defence plans at home.
NATO’s Steadfast Duel 26 command and staff exercise started on Wednesday, marking the first Article 5 drill that incorporates all 32 alliance members. The scenario allows Estonia to practice its national war plan alongside NATO and neighbouring forces, focusing on procedures at the Estonian Defence Forces headquarters and inter-agency coordination. The exercise, the largest computer-assisted command post drill this year, will run through 15 October under the direction of NATO’s Joint Warfare Center in Norway, with US European Command as a partner.
Participants span military and civilian officials from every NATO country, including the newest members Sweden and Finland. Major-general Vahur Karus, who leads Estonia’s involvement, highlighted the value of joint rehearsals for understanding mutual expectations in wartime. The drill also involves the volunteer Estonian Defence League and various law-enforcement bodies.
Why it matters
The drill tests NATO’s collective defence readiness and integrates Estonia’s national plans with alliance-wide war-fighting strategies.
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