Reuters reports that EU finance ministers will discuss launching the European Defence Mechanism (EDM), a joint intergovernmental fund, during a meeting in Warsaw. The proposed fund would acquire and own defense equipment, charging EU members for usage while offering loans to support procurement. The EDM could also include non-EU members like the UK and Ukraine, aiming to reduce European reliance on US military support by 2030. A Bruegel think tank paper emphasized that this model could promote a unified European defense market without inflating national public debts. The initiative represents a major step toward EU defense integration amid growing geopolitical […]
Category: Estonia
U.S. Urges Europe to Maintain American Defense Ties Amid EU Industry Push
U.S. officials are urging European allies to keep buying American-made weapons despite the EU’s push to strengthen its own defense industry. The European Commission’s ReArm Europe initiative could limit U.S. firms’ involvement in EU defense contracts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the issue in talks with Baltic foreign ministers, stressing the importance of American participation. U.S. officials caution that sidelining American companies may harm transatlantic defense cooperation. The move comes amid broader efforts in Europe to reduce dependency on foreign military suppliers. Original news
Australian Army Expands Use of Estonian-Croatian Startup Vegvisir Mixed Reality Tech for Battlefield Awareness
The Australian Army has placed a follow-up order with Vegvisir to further integrate its Mixed Reality-based situational awareness technology into armored vehicles. Vegvisir CEO Ingvar Pärnamäe expressed enthusiasm, citing overwhelmingly positive feedback from initial trials. The XR-Based Situational Awareness Systems have been successfully tested on modified M113 Armored Personnel Carriers, enhancing battlefield visibility and decision-making. The technology provides 360-degree real-time awareness, allowing crews to operate effectively in complex environments. The expanded order reflects Australia’s commitment to leveraging advanced digital tools for military modernization. Original news
RAND Study Proposes Using 4G/5G Networks to Counter Air Defenses in Taiwan and the Baltics
A new RAND study suggests leveraging 4G and 5G cellular networks to detect and jam mobile surface-to-air missile radars in defense of the Baltic states and Taiwan. Timothy Bond, a senior RAND fellow, noted that Taiwan’s network is over 50% 5G, while the Baltics primarily use 4G, making them potential tools for targeting enemy radars and jammers. The study highlights that Russian air defense radars and GPS jammers operate on frequencies detectable by 4G/5G systems, allowing them to help guide attacks on electronic warfare threats. This technology could enhance NATO and Taiwan’s ability to counter Russian and Chinese air defense […]
Estonia Reconsiders Second HIMARS Purchase Amid Production Delays
Estonia is reassessing a second order of Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS due to concerns over long production lead times, with a decision expected in the coming months. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized the need for discussions with the U.S. to potentially secure earlier production slots. Estonia’s first order of six HIMARS units, worth over $200 million, is already in progress, with deliveries expected soon. Pevkur stressed that Estonia cannot afford to wait for extended delivery timelines amid growing regional security concerns. The review highlights Estonia’s urgency in strengthening its defense capabilities. Original news
Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
Estonia has received its first six CAESAR 155mm 6×6 self-propelled howitzers from KNDS France as part of a 12-unit order placed last year. Lt. Col. Rauno Viitmann, the project officer for the procurement, stated that the new artillery systems will enhance the firepower and reaction speed of Estonia’s forces. Both conscripts and reservists will operate the howitzers, with conscript training set to begin in the coming weeks. Reservist training exercises are planned for mid-2025 as Estonia continues strengthening its defense capabilities. Original news
Lithuania and Estonia pledge to meet Donald Trump’s 5% target on defence spending
Lithuania and Estonia have pledged to raise their defense spending to at least 5% of GDP in response to pressure from US President Donald Trump. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated the country plans to fund the increase through borrowing and European financial instruments, while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted potential public sector cuts. Romania is also considering a defense spending increase and has already invested €6 billion in acquiring 32 F-35 fighter jets. These commitments reflect the growing influence of US demands on NATO allies to enhance their defense budgets. The moves highlight the Baltic region’s emphasis on […]
NATO Strengthens Baltic Defense Amid Undersea Cable Sabotage
NATO has initiated Operation Baltic Sentry to address suspected Russian sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. An international flotilla, supported by elite divers, submersible drones, and advanced aircraft such as F-35 fighter jets, has assembled near Tallinn, Estonia, to protect critical gas pipelines and internet cables. The UK has deployed P-8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and Rivet Joint spy planes, following the Royal Navy’s tracking of the Russian spy ship Yantar. Finnish authorities have accused the Eagle S tanker of damaging cables, adding to growing tensions in the region. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of consequences for any threats […]
Six HIMARS rocket launchers to arrive in Estonia by mid-2025
Lockheed Martin has delivered six M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Estonia, as announced by the Estonia Centre for Defence Investments (EDCI). These systems are expected to arrive in the coming months for immediate deployment by the Estonian Defence Forces. Major Tanel Tatsi highlighted the transformative impact of HIMARS, stating that they provide long-range precision strike capabilities to enhance Estonia’s defense. The delivery is part of a $200 million agreement signed in 2022, which represents one of Estonia’s largest defense investments. The project also includes ammunition, training, logistics, and communication solutions to support the new systems. Original news
Sweden Joins NATO Efforts to Bolster Baltic Sea Security
Sweden has pledged to support NATO’s enhanced naval presence in the Baltic Sea by contributing up to three warships, one ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and four coast guard ships. This commitment follows NATO’s recent decision to strengthen its naval posture in response to increased Russian activities in the region. Finnish media report that NATO may deploy up to ten warships to protect critical underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, Estonia’s navy has intensified patrols in the Gulf of Finland as Finland investigates suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 submarine cable, allegedly involving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ Sweden’s participation underscores its commitment to regional security […]
Frankenburg Technologies to Test AI-Driven Anti-Aircraft Missile
Estonian startup Frankenburg Technologies plans to test its Mark 1 anti-aircraft missile in Ukraine by early 2025, targeting low-flying drones using advanced AI software. Designed to be more cost-effective than existing solutions, the missile can counter drones at altitudes up to 2 kilometers, according to CEO Kusti Salm. The company is collaborating with the British defense industry and committing €50 million to R&D in the UK for low-cost rocket motor development. This innovation aligns with similar concepts like Lockheed Martin’s miniature hit-to-kill missiles, highlighting the push for affordable precision defense systems. Frankenburg’s efforts represent a significant step in modernizing counter-drone […]
Estonia signs for construction of new radar post
Estonian construction firm Mapri Ehitus has won a €4 million contract from the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) to design and construct a new radar post. Funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, the project will take 17 months to complete. In June 2023, ECDI also partnered with Thales to procure two Ground Master 400 Alpha radars, boosting Estonia’s airspace protection capabilities. Major Tõnis Pärn, commander of the Estonian Defence Forces air surveillance wing, emphasized the radar post’s role in enhancing flight safety, supporting maritime rescue operations, and improving situational awareness. These initiatives mark a significant step forward […]
NATO Frontline Leaders Call for Enhanced European Defense Readiness
Leaders from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have voiced concerns about Europe’s ability to counter Russia without U.S. support, emphasizing the need for stronger defense capabilities. Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics stated, “We are not ready,” while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged allies to prioritize defense spending over prolonged debates. Though two-thirds of NATO members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, experts warn this is insufficient compared to Russia’s projected 6.3% by 2025. Finland has bolstered its military with a £7.5 billion acquisition of 64 F-35A fighter jets, showcasing its commitment to modernization. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted Europe’s dependence […]
NATO air policing missions around Estonia see F-35 and Rafale jets intercept multiple Russian aircraft
NATO air policing missions near Estonia have involved Dutch F-35s and French Rafale jets intercepting Russian aircraft in the Baltic region. On Friday, French Rafales scrambled for the first time since their deployment in Lithuania, intercepting a Russian Ilyushin Il-18 near Estonia’s coast. Last week, Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, according to the Dutch defense ministry. These missions highlight NATO’s ongoing efforts to monitor and secure Baltic airspace amid rising tensions with Russia. Original news
Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea
Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday, escorting them over international waters to the NATO area boundary, according to the Dutch defense ministry. Since December, Dutch F-35s have been patrolling NATO’s eastern border, with quick reaction alert (QRA) deployments from Estonia to intercept unidentified aircraft. This latest interception highlights ongoing Russian military activity near NATO airspace. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans reaffirmed the importance of these missions, emphasizing the readiness of Dutch forces. The patrols demonstrate NATO’s commitment to maintaining airspace security in response to regional tensions. Original news