NATO warships strengthen their presence in the European region. Estonian Defense Forces General Headquarters.

The first two ships, the Dutch command ship (aka the group's flagship) HNLMS Karel Doorman and the Portuguese frigate NRP Corte-Real, docked at the Old Port of Tallinn on Monday morning. A third vessel, the British tanker RFA Tidesurge, has docked at the port of Muuga.

During this visit, ships can resupply and prepare for the following missions. These permanent NATO naval forces are on constant alert and capable of conducting both peacetime and wartime operations, as well as ensuring the presence of allies and a constant high level of readiness to respond..

“The first standing NATO naval group is here for the second time this year.. This is a confirmation of the permanent presence of NATO in our region,” said Deputy Commander of the Estonian Navy Captain Johan-Elias Seljamaa.

The result of such a visit is to seek greater opportunities for Allied cooperation.. On the practical side, it helps the military to become familiar with maritime conditions..

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In April, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia announced the need to expand NATO's presence in the region.

Retired American brigadier general Mark Arnold, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, noted that the next targets for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin could be three member countries of the Alliance: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.