- WIADOMOŚCI
Estonia accelerates defence modernisation amid growing security threats
During a conference held on Friday at the Estonian Ministry of Defence, plans for the development of Estonia’s armed forces were presented, including key military capabilities and defence investments.
Conscription reform, naval expansion, land defence, and support for Ukraine
First, from 2027, Estonian conscripts will be inducted under a 12-month service model, with a planned intake of 4,100 conscripts, who may also be deployed for combat readiness duties, marking a shift from training-only service to active operational roles. In addition, conscripts« allowances will increase by 30 per cent this year, while the number of study places at the Estonian Military Academy will rise from 90 to 150.
One of the key areas of focus is the navy. Estonia aims to build four new vessels, two for open-sea operations and two coastal platforms. Additionally, Sakala, Ugandi, and Admiral Cowan, the Estonian Navy minehunters, will be modernised.
As part of its land-domain efforts, the Baltic Defence Line is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will include approximately 600 bunkers, with procurement carried out in cooperation with Latvia. In parallel, a new Defence Forces base in Narva is expected to be constructed in the second half of 2027, with the procurement winner to be announced in May.
Lastly, Estonia reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine, pledging assistance amounting to 0.25 per cent of GDP in the coming year.
Action over fear
While the possibility of Russian military action against the Baltic states cannot be dismissed, this awareness should not translate into fear. Instead, it should reinforce a practical, forward-looking approach, one that Estonia exemplifies.
Commenting on these developments, Aleksander Olech, Editor-in-Chief ofDefence24.com and a PhD of the National Defence University in Warsaw, notes the following: „The Estonians are investing millions in armaments. In addition to the planned purchases, they had earlier taken equipment from the Americans, and also decided on the Polish Piorun systems. They are considering further investments, including in drones and radars. Training ranges are also important, if only because of joint exercises with the Finns and the French. Tallinn is aware of the growing danger and hybrid actions from the Kremlin. Nevertheless, Estonia is certain that it can rely on its allies and will maintain defence on NATO’s eastern flank for as long as it is able. The fact that Russia is considering an invasion of the Baltic states is real, but while being in Tallinn, one does not feel fear. The beginning of victory is courage, and now it is manifested in further arms purchases.”
