SIR Michael Fallon saluted 800 Brit troops deployed to deter Russian aggression yesterday.

The Defence Secretary told them in Estonia as their mission started: “You are doing us proud. No one should pretend these deployments are anything other than proportionate and defensive.

7 Sir Michael declared 'Estonia does not stand alone' as the troops arrived in the Baltic state Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

"Estonia does not stand alone on its frontier of freedom."

The troops are stationed with French and Danish forces near the Baltic state’s border.

Yesterday eight American F35 A-Lightning II stealth fighters landed at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, for exercises over Europe.

7 British troops from the 5 Rifles line up with Estonian forces as a Union Jack is raised Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

7 They are stationed with French and Danish forces near the Baltic state’s border Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

7 British soldiers march during the welcoming ceremony of the NATO force Credit: EPA

Estonian defence minister Margus Tsahkna said: "Being alone is not an option.

"We are not alone - and we will never be alone again. That is the meaning of today's event.

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"That is the meaning of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. It's about standing together.

"We are glad to welcome our British, French and Danish colleagues here today.

"Dear allies, your standing here is a powerful signal that when we say, 'all for one, and one for all', we mean 'all for one, and one for all.'"

7 The troops raise their rifles as the display of force gets underway Credit: EPA

7 Estonian defence minister Margus Tsahkna said: 'We are not alone - and we will never be alone again' Credit: Reuters

7 Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid added: 'Today, here, you are creating history' Credit: EPA

Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, added: "Today, here, you are creating history. Once again, welcome."

As well as troops in Estonia, 150 of Our Boys and Girls have been deployed to Poland, Typhoon war jets will go to Romania on Monday and a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer will be dispatched to the Black Sea this summer.