Estonia is developing its defence capabilities in response to Russia’s actions in the region. Multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), air and coastal missile defence systems, as well as unmanned and cyber defence, rank high in acquisition plans.
“Last May, we announced that, together with our neighbours Latvia and Lithuania, we will acquire the MLRS,” Estonian Defence Minister Kalle Laanet told Defense News.
“I think that the Baltic states should have common capabilities to fight and deter any aggressor so that they take us seriously,” he added.
In 2017, Lithuania signed a deal with Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to acquire a network-centric air defence system (NASAMS). Under Estonia’s National Defence Development Plan until 2026, the country is planning to purchase a similar short-to-mid-range air defence system.
Read more: Norwegian-made defence systems handed over to Lithuanian Armed Forces
“We would like to start this project in cooperation with the US,” Laanet said.
Meanwhile, other projects include procuring new unmanned capacities for the Estonian armed forces and investing in cyber defence capabilities. According to Laanet, Estonian company Milrem Robotics is developing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) that could be supplied to the country’s military.
“We also have a pilot project to build unmanned vessels for the Estonian Navy. We put together a consortium of defence companies and expect to launch the first vessel of this type in 2026,” the minister said.
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