US representatives have informed Estonia that the rotational presence of US forces in Estonia will continue shortly, with a new unit arriving during November, the Estonian defence ministry said.

“Estonia highly values the US presence in Estonia and its contribution to ensuring security in the Baltic region. This is a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, confirming the Allies’ readiness and unity to defend Alliance territory,” the newly-appointed defence minister, Martin Herem, said in a statement.

According to US representatives, this is a decision separate from the ongoing US force posture review. The unit arriving in Estonia is equivalent in size and capability to the unit that rotated out in the spring, the defence ministry added.

The 6th Squadron of the US 9th Cavalry Regiment (6-9 CAV) completed its rotation in Estonia this spring, after which the rotation of the next US unit was temporarily suspended due to the ongoing review of the US military force structure. 

A reduced US presence continued at the Reedo military base in southern Estonia.