Soviet-era shells unearthed during Estonian military expansion
During the work related to the expansion of the Nursipalu training ground in southern Estonia, nearly 2,000 Soviet-era shells were discovered. The findings include shells of various calibers, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, reports ERR.
2:26 PM EST, November 21, 2024
Estonian public radio ERR reported that due to the enormous amount of explosives found, disarming the shells will need to occur in stages at different training grounds to prevent too many explosions in one place. This information was confirmed by the Estonian armed forces.
The Nursipalu training ground, located near Voru in the southeastern part of the country, is currently undergoing significant expansion.
Once the work is completed, its area will increase threefold, ultimately reaching 38 square miles. This expansion aims to provide space for new Estonian army equipment and NATO troops stationed in Estonia.
Thousands of unexploded ordnances from the USSR era in Estonia
According to Captain Martin Meos from the local sapper unit, the unexploded ordnances were buried at a depth of about 1.6 feet and were discovered using metal detectors. During the Soviet era, the Nursipalu training ground served as a training location for armored troops.
Currently, there are seven military training grounds in Estonia, most of which are located in the northern and northeastern parts of the country.
The expansion of the Nursipalu training ground is intended to accommodate new equipment for the Estonian armed forces and NATO troops stationed in Estonia, reports ERR.
