Estonia Raises Concerns Over Reduced UK Troop Numbers Amid NATO Commitments

March 26, 2025
By Larisa Brown, Defence Editor

Estonia is voicing significant concerns regarding the United Kingdom’s recent reduction of military personnel stationed in the country. This move has sparked alarm among Estonian defense officials, particularly as the UK had previously committed to bolstering its presence in light of escalating threats from Russia.

According to reports from The Times, British troop numbers in Estonia have decreased by nearly 650 since April 2022, leaving approximately 1,000 UK soldiers currently deployed. This figure is notable given that it marks a return to the pre-Ukraine invasion levels, despite earlier pledges to increase troop strength. The decline has included a reduction to less than ten British Challenger tanks, along with other armored vehicles.

Concerns from Estonian Leadership

Riho Terras, a former commander of the Estonian defense forces and now a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), expressed his worries about the UK's commitment to NATO's eastern flank. He stated to Times Radio that the UK seems unable to gather a brigade-sized force, typically comprising 3,000 to 5,000 troops, for an upcoming military exercise. He remarked, "The UK is not coming with the full power to the exercises because they have problems with the financing," underscoring concerns about funding affecting military readiness.

The lack of a robust UK contingent was particularly alarming for Estonian officials, especially ahead of Exercise Hedgehog, one of NATO's largest exercises planned for May 2025. Terras emphasized the implications this could have for overall security in the region, asserting that nations must take collective defense seriously.

Shifts in Troop Deployment Strategy

Historically, the UK had promised to enhance troop presence, with previous commitments made at the NATO summit in Madrid in June 2022, where former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced plans for an additional 1,000 soldiers to create a stronger brigade-sized force in Estonia. Instead of fulfilling this commitment, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reduced the military footprint, likely due to ongoing financial constraints.

In contrast, Germany has announced plans to send a brigade of over 5,000 troops to Lithuania by 2027, which highlights the increasing military contributions of other NATO members in the Baltic region.

Response from UK Defence Officials

Defence Secretary John Healey addressed the situation during a meeting with his Estonian counterpart, asserting the UK’s "ironclad commitment" to Estonia’s security. Healey asserted that British troops are valued partners in training and operational deployments. He emphasized their role in reinforcing NATO's defensive stance along the eastern border with Russia.

Despite Healey’s reassurances, Terras' comments point to a widening gap between the UK’s proclaimed defense commitments and actual troop deployments. This discrepancy raises questions about the future effectiveness of Coalition forces, especially if conflicts arise in neighboring Ukraine.

In summary, Estonia’s concerns regarding reduced British troop numbers could reflect broader uncertainties about NATO’s collective defense readiness. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the pressure on member states to fulfill their defense obligations grows ever more critical.