EU funding strengthens bomb disposal capabilities in Estonia

Bomb disposal teams are crucial in maintaining public safety, preventing accidents, and protecting people. Their swift action ensures the well-being of both the public and those on the 'front line'. But bomb disposal experts also need protection, with the best training, equipment, and support to minimise their own risks. With EU funding support, the Estonian Rescue Board has taken steps to improve the safety and effectiveness of bomb disposal operations.

In Estonia, both old and new threats exist, as bombs from World War I and II are still found, alongside the ongoing risk that modern explosives pose. To tackle these challenges, Estonia is building up a robust fleet of 14 bomb disposal robots, including 5 small and 9 heavy-duty models. It also purchased bomb protection suits as well as trained specialised personnel. Bomb disposal robots are remotely controlled machines used to inspect, handle and deactivate explosive devices from a safe distance and help experts stay safe. Bomb protection suits keep them protected from blasts. The result is a faster, safer, and smarter response to bomb threats, to significantly reduce the risk of harm to both civilians and bomb disposal personnel.

Enhanced bomb disposal capabilities proved indispensable during recent incidents in Estonia. This includes threats from new explosives, such as a bomb at Tallinn's Ülemiste shopping centre in December 2025, as well as from old ones, for example in Ida-Viru County, where more than 40 kilogrammes of explosives were found during the renovation of an old building. In managing these situations, bomb suits and robots, alongside the expertise and experience developed through training, exercises, and drills, played a crucial role. In total, over 100 high-risk incidents have been safely neutralised.

By modernising its technical capabilities, Estonia is contributing to a safer European Union, with faster response times, improved protection for first responders, and reduced vulnerability to security threats.

Project information

Country: Estonia
Total budget and duration:

• Procurement of small bomb disposal robots: €291,872 (EU contribution: €218,904, year 2016)
• Procurement of heavy duty bomb disposal robots: €2,850,000 (EU contribution €2,137,500, year 2022-ongoing)
• Procurement of protective bomb suits: €696,922 (EU contribution: €522,691, year 2022-2024)
• Demining training: €700,000 (EU contribution: €525,000, year 2022-ongoing)

Funded under:

• ISF-Police 2014-2020 (robots)
• ISF 2021-2027, Measure 3.4 "Enhancing Internal Security Capabilities through Equipment Procurement" (robots, bomb suits, training)

Implementing authority: Estonian Ministry of the Interior
Beneficiary: Estonian Rescue Board