Estonia has approved a new four-year defense investment plan, adding €2.8 billion to meet NATO capability goals. The modernization push includes a major $200 million-plus procurement of six M142 HIMARS rocket systems from Lockheed Martin. Tallinn is also evaluating alternative weapon systems due to concerns over delivery times and pricing. The move follows a similar defense investment increase by neighboring Lithuania, signaling regional security prioritization. Estonia’s defense expansion underscores its commitment to bolstering deterrence in response to evolving security threats.
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Estonia Considers Additional HIMARS Order Amid Competitor Talks
- Veiko Lukmann
- 22/10/2024
- 0
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 […]
Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea
- Veiko Lukmann
- 10/12/2024
- 0
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
Sweden Joins NATO Efforts to Bolster Baltic Sea Security
- Veiko Lukmann
- 15/01/2025
- 0
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 […]