Estonia's defence capabilities will be strengthened this year with a medium-range air defence system

The rapid development of Estonia's defence capabilities will reach a new milestone this year, when air defence against targets flying at altitudes of up to 20 kilometres will receive an additional layer in the form of medium-range air defence. There will also be upgrades to drone capabilities, more firepower for the ground forces, and a move to develop the naval fleet, among other things.

"Last year was a good year from the viewpoint of force creation. We were able to meet 100% of last year's procurement plan, and I can assure everyone that the defence sector has a clear plan on how to further strengthen Estonia's defence capabilities, value the people who defend our state and develop the local defence industry," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

Estonia's defence spending will be €2.4 billion in 2026, or 5.43% of GDP. This is nearly four times more than in 2021, before the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine. In the years 2026-2029, 37% of Estonia's defence budget will be spent on procurement, with a further 25% on ammunition, to continue the rapid replenishment of ammunition stocks.

"The threat posed by Russia to Estonia and the West is forcing countries to arm themselves and increase their defence capabilities in every possible way. The Defence Forces have decisively and rapidly increased their combat capabilities during the full-scale war launched by Russia, both through the acquisition of new systems and ammunition and through the implementation of conceptual approaches seen in the Ukrainian war," said Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Defence Forces. "The rapid development of defence capabilities will continue in the coming years. Given the aggressive nature of our neighbouring country, the development of military capabilities is of critical importance to Estonia at the moment."

In 2026, Estonia's air defences will have a completely new layer, as the medium-range air defence system procured together with Latvia will be delivered. The system from a German manufacturer, which has proven its worth in Ukraine, is capable of repelling aircraft at a range of around 40 kilometres and an altitude of 20 kilometres. Short-range air defence will also be reinforced with additional Piorun launchers and ammunition. Drone surveillance will be upgraded with an acoustic detection system, we will develop countermeasures capabilities with various means, and drones and air raid ammunition will be supplied.

In order to affect the enemy from a distance, the number of K9 self-propelled guns will be increased to 36 and the existing dozen wheeled Caesar self-propelled guns will be added. HIMARS systems are in place to reinforce the deep-strike capability, and ammunition supplies continue, while Estonia is also procuring additional Chunmoo artillery rocket launchers from South Korea.

"The task of the ECDI is to acquire and deliver on time the priority forces decided in the Ministry of Defence's four-year development plan, including their life cycle, and to build the necessary infrastructure for their storage," said Elmar Vaher, Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI). "Thanks to the increased defence budget, the Estonian Defence Forces will receive significantly more ammunition and ammunition infrastructure, various weapon systems, artillery rocket launchers and self-propelled guns in the coming years, and our air defence will be strengthened significantly."

Estonia plans to renew its navy fleet. Minehunters will receive new main engines this year and a contract will be signed to extend their lifetime. A market analysis is also underway to build up to four new vessels during the period of this development plan. Maritime surveillance radars are also being modernised and a coastal defence missile system has been set up.

In the field of defence industry, the first Estonian munitions factory run by a private company has launched production in Ämari. This year, the construction of the basic infrastructure will start in the Ermistu Defence Industrial Park in Pärnu County, where four companies have been selected. A defence industrial park will also be built in North Kiviõli, and negotiations are under way to produce large calibre ammunition there. The construction of the Estonian part of the Baltic defence zone will move forward with the procurement for large bunkers and the construction of barrier ditches.