Soviet-era shells unearthed at Estonian military site expansion
During the work related to the expansion of the Nursipalu training ground in southern Estonia, nearly 2,000 shells from the Soviet era were discovered. The findings include shells of various calibres, from approximately 4 to 9 centimetres, and reports ERR.
Estonian public radio ERR reported that due to the enormous amount of explosives found, the shells' disarming would have to occur in stages at different training grounds to avoid too many explosions in one place. The Estonian armed forces confirmed this information.
The Nursipalu training ground, located near the town of Võru in the southeastern part of the country, is currently undergoing significant expansion.
Once the work is completed, its area will increase threefold, ultimately reaching about 100 square kilometres. This is aimed at providing space for new Estonian army equipment and NATO troops stationed in Estonia.
According to Captain Martin Meos from the local sapper unit, the unexploded ordnances were buried at a depth of about 50 centimetres and were found with metal detectors. The Nursipalu training ground during the Soviet era served as a training location for armoured 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.
