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.
