Estonia’s military leadership is looking at Ukrainian drone suppliers as a way to strengthen its armed force. Plans for cooperation could enhance Ukraine’s production capabilities.
ERR reports that Estonia is considering purchasing drones for its military from Ukraine.
Estonia has increased its support for Ukraine in the face of the war with Russia. Total military aid has reached around EUR500million since 2022. In spring 2024, the Estonian Government announced EUR650,000 of humanitarian aid aimed at improving educational opportunities and helping children in frontline regions. Estonia also plans to restructure military assistance, which was worth about EUR100 million (approximately 0.25 percent of GDP) in 2023, by procuring military goods from local companies. This strategy aims at boosting both Ukraine’s defence capabilities and Estonian domestic industry.
Recent discussions between Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, and Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces Andrus Merilo have discussed the supply of drones to the country’s armed services from Ukraine.
Pevkur stated that drones produced in Ukraine are of very high quality.
“If we announce an auction, it will be available to Ukrainian companies.” The minister said that we would see offers from Ukrainians, Estonians, and Western manufacturers.
Pevkur and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov will meet in November to discuss the possibility of arms procurement.
“We have already discussed the issue.” Umerov does not see any political restrictions if there are companies in Ukraine who can offer us what we need,” the Estonian Minister noted.
Militarnyi reported that Pevkur, in a statement last month, said that the Estonian government is interested in purchasing weapons from the Ukrainian defence industry.
The Minister believes that such a cooperation could help Ukraine increase its defense industry’s production volume.
A current restriction on arms exports during martial law poses a challenge for implementing defense co-operation between Estonia and Ukraine.
Pevkur, however, said that the restriction would not be a problem if the two countries reached an accord, and that such a cooperation would be beneficial to both Estonia and Ukraine.
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