Explosions and the rattle of machineguns rang out near Russia’s border as British soldiers led an air assault during Nato’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.
Apache AH-64E gunships were deployed for the first time to spearhead the drill in Nurmsi, Estonia, swooping on ground targets as British and American troops advanced below.
Paratroopers who entered the battle simulation from the sky described jumping into what felt like a “car crash” or “washing machine” and plummeting 1,000ft armed with SA80 rifles and Nlaw anti-tank weapons.
The show of strength should make Russia “think twice” about fighting alliance forces amid the growing threat of war, soldiers taking part told The Times.
Troops have been trained to repel a potentially overwhelming Russian advance into Nato territory
