Prime Minister Michal: We will make drone detection and countermeasures even more effective

"In recent years, we have strengthened our defence capabilities, relations with our allies and our preparedness for new types of threats, including drones. The drone downed yesterday between Lake Võrtsjärv and Põltsamaa shows that the response to threats is decisive and our airspace and the safety of the Estonian people are well protected. However, our defence capabilities are constantly improving and we will boost our ability to detect and intercept drones," Michal said.

"In order to be even better prepared for polycrises, asymmetric attacks, and military defence, it is important to swiftly implement the amendments proposed in the draft act on drones," Michal said in a speech delivered to the Riigikogu.

"We need to enable the Defence Forces to better detect and counter military drones and the Police and Border Guard Board to more effectively prevent crime and protect people's lives and health, as well as respond to the risks posed by new drone threats," the prime minister said.
"The draft act will also create the owners of national defence objects, especially companies providing key essential services, better opportunities for protecting their infrastructure," Michal added.

In addition to investments in internal security, €364 million in defence investments are planned for the next four years to increase drone capabilities.

When adopted, the government-initiated draft act on amending the Law Enforcement Act and consequently other laws will create the basis for a multi-layered drone defence system, with the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) being the first to respond to civilian drones. If the PPA is unable to counter the threat, the Defence Forces will take over.

In the case of military drones, the roles are reversed - these are mainly the responsibility of the Defence Forces, but if it is faster and more expedient for the PPA to respond, then they will do so as the general law enforcement agency. The draft act focuses on addressing the most time-critical bottlenecks - monitoring, response and protection of critical infrastructure.

For the strategic management of the field, the Government Office has drawn up a drone roadmap, which has been sent to public and private sector institutions and partners for feedback. The roadmap will bring together the strengthening of national security, the modernisation of public services and the development of the sector, and focus on cultivating the next generation of specialists.

Kommunikatsioonibüroo, Riigikantselei