Defense forces to take part in NRF with minehunter Ugandi in 2014

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Photo: Mati Hiis / Õhtuleht

Estonia is planning to take part in NATO Response Force (NRF) in 2014 with minehunter Ugandi and a crew of 40 servicemen of the Estonian Defense Froces.

The Estonian Ministry of Defense is seeking opinions on a bill which would extend, if necessary, the participation of 40 Estonian servicemen in the NRF until the end of next year. The covering letter accompanying the bill expresses Estonia's wish to incorporate Estonian minehunter Ugandi to NRF from Jan. 1 until Dec. 31, 2014.

Estonia has previously taken part in NRF with the recently retired Navy's former flagship Admiral Pitka, with minehunters Admiral Cowan and Sakala, with mine clearing and military police units, and with a movement coordination unit.

In 2010 Estonia participated with other Baltic countries in NRF-14 with a joint infantry battalion. In 2013 Estonia contributed to NRF with a mine clearing team, an intelligence unit and logistics, altogether with 20 servicemen.

The purpose of the NRF is to provide a quick reaction force of high quality to support NATO missions as required. Forces participating in the NRF are drawn from the entire NATO Command and Force Structure. Forces will be assigned to the NRF on a rotational basis with the formal stand-by period lasting six months. The NRF has only been used six times.

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