Create an account Reset password Already have an account? Log in From now on you can download videos from our website If you would also like to subscribe to the newsletter and receive our latest updates, click on the button below. Enter the email address you registered with and we will send you a code to reset your password. The password must be at least 12 characters long, no spaces, include upper/lowercase letters,...
Create an account Reset password Already have an account? Log in From now on you can download videos from our website If you would also like to subscribe to the newsletter and receive our latest updates, click on the button below. Enter the email address you registered with and we will send you a code to reset your password. The password must be at least 12 characters long, no spaces, include upper/lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Click the button to return to the page you were on and log in with your new password. 20 February 2026 2 MIN READ On 18-20 February 2026, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), travelled to Estonia and engaged with senior political and military leaders, visited the Ämari Airbase, and delivered a lecture at the Baltic Defence College. In Tallinn, Admiral Cavo Dragone met with the Prime Minister of Estonia, H.E. Kristen Michal, praising Estonia for leading by example in terms of defence investment, as the Ally is already exceeding in 2026 the 5% of GDP in defence-related investments, a benchmark agreed by Allies at the Summit in The Hague, last year. The following discussions with the Foreign Minister, H.E. Margus Tsahkna, focused on Estonia’s active role in fostering transatlantic unity, while talks with the Minister of Defence, H. E. Hanno Pevkur, reaffirmed Estonia’s critical support to NATO’s readiness and collective defence, including against hybrid threats. With the Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, CMC discussed the wide regional security, highlighting how “Estonia plays a key role in all domains, from hosting NATO’s Forward Land Forces and conducting Baltic Air Policing, to participating in the Baltic Sentry activity, and being a stronghold for cyber defence.” Later, Admiral Cavo Dragone toured Ämari Airbase, and received a briefing on enhanced Air Policing (eAP) operations. Appreciating Estonia’s proactive role for our shared security, CMC commended the collaborative efforts of NATO forces -including the Italian Air Force detachment stationed at the base - to ensure the security of NATO’s Eastern Flank. In Tartu, Admiral Cavo Dragone visited the Baltic Defence College, and met with its Commandant, Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis. There, CMC delivered a lecture on “ Adapting Education and Training for Modern Military Leadership ” to the Higher Command Study Course, emphasizing the importance of developing agile and forward-looking leadership in a dynamic security environment. A wreath-laying ceremony at the War of Independence Victory Column in the Freedom Square, Tallinn, further epitomized the significance of Estonia’s enduring sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability in the region and across the Alliance. Concluding the visit, Admiral Cavo Dragone expressed once again gratitude for Estonia’s vital and exemplary contributions to collective defence and regional security, while stressing how the strong cohesion and unity existing among Alliance members remains key to addressing emergent global challenges in today’s complex and evolving security environment. Link was copied to clipboard GALLERIES Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Estonia 20 February 2026 1 / 12 Left to Right - The Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo and the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone during the Welcome Ceremony at EDF HQ, Tallinn. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo during the Welcome Ceremony at EDF HQ, Tallinn. Left to Right - The Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo and the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo during the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the War of Independence Victory Column, Freedom Square, Tallinn. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo during the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the War of Independence Victory Column, Freedom Square, Tallinn. Left to Right - The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone delivering a lecture to the Higher Command Study Course, Baltic Defence College, Tartu. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone signing the Guest Book with the Italian Detachment Commander, Colonel Fabio de Michele during the visit of the enhanced Air Policing (eAP) facilities, Ämari Airbase. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Prime Minister of Estonia, Mr. Kristen Michal. Left to Right - The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, Mr. Margus Tsahkna, and the Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Defence Minister of Estonia, Mr. Hanno Pevkur. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Chief of Defence of Estonia, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo meeting the Estonian National Defence Committee. Back VIEW METADATA VIEW IMAGE Assets details Description Creation date Location Themes Reference Resolution Aspect radio Format Usage right Credit
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