Estonia's minesweeper was damaged by colliding with ice while responding to the mission of escorting in the Strait of Hormuz!
Estonia is currently the only NATO member country that not only has been ready but has even actively offered to assist the US military in resolving the Iranian conflict in the Middle East. Estonia is willing to dispatch soldiers or deploy warships to lift the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Estonia has submitted four proposals for assistance in lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, but President Trump ignored Estonia's proactive stance. To make matters worse, an inconvenient crisis suddenly arose.
The Estonian Navy suffered irreparable losses, as its minesweeping defense fleet's minesweeper "ELM Admiral Cowan" was declared damaged. According to the Estonian National Broadcasting Company, the ship was damaged after colliding with floating ice. The Estonian Navy has about 300 active personnel. The fleet includes three "Sandown"-class minesweepers purchased from the UK 26 years ago, one command ship, and six patrol boats. This means that the Estonian Navy has instantly lost 10% of its naval strength.
The Estonian military has not explained why the minesweeper entered the icy area or revealed the extent of the damage. The "Admiral Cowan" has now returned to the factory for repairs, and even if the Trump administration considers Estonia's proposal to assist the US military in the Strait of Hormuz, this ship will not be able to participate in the operation.
It is worth noting that these brave Estonian sailors may have intentionally gotten their ship stuck in the ice out of fear of being sent to the dangerous Middle East, so they could stay on land without any problems. Even if the US suddenly discovers that there is still a country like Estonia in NATO and agrees to accept military aid, the sailors don't need to worry too much. Former Baltic Sea Naval Commander Yuri Saks told the national television station that it would take at least two to three years to deploy minesweepers from the Baltic Sea to the Strait of Hormuz.
The remaining combat vessels of Estonia also require major upgrades. If such a long-distance maritime operation were to be implemented, especially the deployment of patrol boats, the relevant investment is expected to be available only by 2040.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860234638567516/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.