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BRITISH tank troops have joined with Nato forces in a show of strength to Russian president Vladimir Putin as they take part in a huge military exercise in Estonia.

Tanks and soldiers are carrying out live exercises with allied troops in the annual Spring Storm which involves more than 9,000 troops and carries on until May 17.

British Challenger tanks are currently taking part in Spring Storm
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British Challenger tanks are currently taking part in Spring StormCredit: EPA

Along with the soldiers hundreds of combat vehicles, warships and aircraft are also taking part.

A statement from the Estonian Armed Forces said: “The Spring Storm exercise this year will be held in north-eastern Estonia.

“Nearly 10,000 troops will take part in them, including the military contingents of Great Britain and Belgium from the Nato international battalion stationed in Estonia and the soldiers of the Estonian Defence Forces.”

Eurofighters from the RAF and Germany will also take part along with Polish Su-22 attack aircraft and Wildcat, Apache and Pavehawk helicopters.

More than 9,000 troops are taking part in the live exercise
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More than 9,000 troops are taking part in the live exerciseCredit: Reuters
Spanish soldiers take part in a drill near Sillarmae in Estonia
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Spanish soldiers take part in a drill near Sillarmae in EstoniaCredit: Reuters

Personnel from Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Georgia, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the US, Ukraine, Finland, France and Estonia will take part.

The helicopters are stationed at the Emari airbase near the town of Tapa, which is just 93 miles from the border with Russia.

A Russian military expert has warned that increased military operations close to Russia’s border affects the West’s relationship with the country.

Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of Arsenal of the Fatherland, said: “Despite the fact that the number of military men involved in these exercises is relatively low, manoeuvres create military tension on the borders of Russia.

“Moscow is forced to take this into account in its plans for the country’s defence.

“When tanks drive and planes fly near the borders of the Russian Federation, various kinds of incidents can occur.

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“Even if they are unintentional, they can still be quite dangerous for the Russian side.”

Estonia’s President Kersti Kaljulaid paid a visit to the allied forces taking part earlier today saying the exercise was “proceeding like clockwork”.

The 49-year-old leader is not afraid to take part in some military training herself and completed a 30km load-carry challenge in March, finishing the task in four hours and 19 minutes while carrying a 15-kilogram rucksack.

British soldiers and Warrior armoured vehicles, pictured, are taking part in the huge exercise
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British soldiers and Warrior armoured vehicles, pictured, are taking part in the huge exerciseCredit: EPA
Estonian troops practice their city battle skills
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Estonian troops practice their city battle skillsCredit: EPA
British troops take a well-deserved break
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British troops take a well-deserved breakCredit: Reuters
An Estonian soldier keeps watch in Sillamae
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An Estonian soldier keeps watch in SillamaeCredit: EPA
Estonia's CV903 combat vehicle goes through its paces near the border with Russia
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Estonia's CV903 combat vehicle goes through its paces near the border with RussiaCredit: EPA
Estonian troops get ready for a live-firing exercise
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Estonian troops get ready for a live-firing exerciseCredit: Reuters
The exercise is being held near to the border with Russia
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The exercise is being held near to the border with RussiaCredit: EPA
Personnel from the RAF are also taking part in the ongoing exercise
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Personnel from the RAF are also taking part in the ongoing exerciseCredit: EPA

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