Brigadier General Jamie Murray commands British soldiers in Estonia. He says that NATO forces respond quickly. When needed, they go into battle immediately.
Murray came to Estonia in June 2023. He will stay here for two years. Previously, soldiers rotated every six months. Now they stay longer. Currently, there are about 900 British soldiers in Estonia. More will arrive in the spring.
Murray says that British and Estonian soldiers work very closely together. They share information and learn from each other. In Tapa, an Estonian brigade commands British soldiers.
Both countries are learning from the war in Ukraine. However, Murray warns against making simple conclusions. Drones are important, but other weapons are also necessary.
The British army uses a 20-40-40 system. 20% of the budget goes to expensive weapons. 40% to cheaper weapons. The remaining 40% is ammunition.
Murray says that NATO takes the defense of the eastern border seriously. Defending Estonia means defending NATO. Russia's threats are serious. But NATO is not sleeping and responds quickly.
British soldiers are not afraid to be in Estonia. Murray's family lives here. Many Brits feel safe in Estonia. Estonian and British values are similar.