NATO launched a large-scale exercise, "Steadfast Javelin", in Estonia on 16 May to test Allied forces on their ability to work together and maintain NATO's readiness and combat effectiveness. 6000 troops from 9 Allied nations are participating in these drills, the most important NATO exercise in the Baltic region since the start of the Ukraine crisis. Exercises like this one are especially important in enhancing NATO's readiness to defend its Allies.