British Army tests loitering munitions for first time in Estonia during NATO exercise

The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) has become the first British Army unit to test new warfighting technology, including loitering munitions, during Exercise Spring Storm 26—a defensive NATO exercise held in Estonia, the British Army has stated.

Operational Context

Operating as part of the UK’s Forward Land Forces, 2 SCOTS supported Estonia’s national and collective defence, integrating into Estonian and NATO defence plans. As part of 4th Light Brigade, the battalion formed the main battlegroup and conducted battlefield training alongside NATO partners. Their task was to defend against an incursion in the south-eastern part of Estonia, within 25 km of the Russian border.

Exercise Environment

The exercise took place across public and private land spanning urban, rural, and forested environments. It marked the first time the unit had experimented with loitering munition technology.

Soldier Perspectives

Captain Lachlan Broad, Adjutant of 2 SCOTS, described how the systems changed the way soldiers operate:

"It definitely changes the way we are operating. It moves us away from the old school approach of using binoculars and various night sights which we used to get 'eyes on' and allows us to see beyond our line of sight to anything that may encroach into our battlespace. Using this technology now means we have sensors that can quite accurately plot out an enemy moving into our area and we can then isolate the target and launch various effectors for prosecution."

Additional Technology: Dismounted Data System

Alongside the loitering munitions, 2 SCOTS were equipped with a Dismounted Data System (DDS)—a software system used to connect sensors, weapons, and a command centre. Captain Broad explained its function:

"The additional piece of technology we have been using on this exercise is the DDS system. This is very similar to a mobile phone and connects to a radio which allows soldiers to speak and communicate securely during the exercise. It gives soldiers wider situational awareness at tactical level and is another mechanism to plan movement. The concept is similar to using mobile phones and GPS, which people are commonly used to. The soldiers have embraced the technology and its benefits, modernising their warfighting capability."

Official Position

According to the British Army, the drones being fielded are designed to increase lethality, with modernisation intended to enhance survivability and defensive capability rather than escalation. The Army describes its presence in Estonia as persistent, proportionate, and aligned with international law.