A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]
Category: Estonia
Dutch F-35s arrive in Estonia for NATO air policing mission
Four Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have been deployed to Estonia’s Amari Air Base for NATO’s air policing mission near the Russian border. The jets arrived on December 2 after an eight-month renovation of the base, enhancing its operational capacity. RNLAF Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Smaal stated that the fifth-generation fighters are ready to provide round-the-clock air surveillance and defense for NATO allies. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur welcomed the deployment, highlighting the importance of NATO’s rotational air defense model for regional security. This mission underscores NATO’s commitment to protecting its eastern flank. Original […]
Estonia Considers Additional HIMARS Order Amid Competitor Talks
Estonia is considering a second order of Lockheed Martin’s M142 HIMARS and has begun talks with other competitors, including South Korea, Turkey, and Israel, to explore alternative options. Estonia’s national armaments director, Magnus Saar, stated that any new HIMARS deal depends on delivery times and pricing from the U.S. government. The country initially signed a $200 million deal for six HIMARS in 2020, with deliveries delayed until next year. Estonia’s growing defense budget, spurred by concerns over Russia, includes significant investments in artillery, air defense, and loitering munitions. Tallinn is also collaborating with Latvia and Lithuania on joint HIMARS use […]
‘We haven’t done that much’: Former President of Estonia says US fears of escalation with Putin are unwarranted
In an interview with Fox News Digital, former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid stressed the global stakes of the war in Ukraine, urging Americans to recognize the minimal cost of supporting Ukraine compared to the value of securing the “freedom-loving world.” She emphasized the importance of continued aid, stating that a modest increase in Western spending could lead to Ukraine’s victory. Kaljulaid also supported lifting restrictions on long-range missile systems to enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, dismissing fears of escalation. She criticized Russia as a “terrorist regime” that does not follow traditional Cold War rules of engagement. Kaljulaid […]
Estonia seeks battlefield decoys to sponge up Russian missiles
Estonia has launched a $10 million procurement competition to acquire decoy equipment for luring enemy forces into attacks. The tender, issued by the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, seeks mock-ups of real weapon systems and communication equipment. Estonia’s defense initiatives are motivated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potential threat to Baltic states. These investments are part of broader NATO defense strategies, including constructing a “drone wall” and building a fence along Estonia’s border with Russia. Estonia’s defense efforts align with other European nations, like Ukraine and Germany, which have also invested in similar decoy technology. Original news
Estonia Tech Chiefs Unite to Build Anti-Drone Systems in Ukraine
Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian defense company, announced plans to produce anti-drone missile systems in Ukraine amidst growing Russian air raids. This move aligns with increasing European defense investments in Ukraine, following similar efforts like Germany’s Rheinmetall AG’s artillery plant. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal revealed in March that the country has secured five contracts for joint arms production with foreign companies. Frankenburg Technologies, founded in January, has attracted key figures from Estonia’s defense and technology sectors, including military commander Martin Herem and Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Vaarsi. The company appointed Sergiy Koshman as CEO for its Ukrainian operations. Original news