News
28.09.2024|Ministry of Defence
Baltic States and Poland seek EU funding for Baltic Defence Line
The defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland met on Friday in Daugavpils to discuss the possible financing of the Baltic Defence Line from the European Union budget.
"The Baltic Defence Line initiative has gotten off to a good start because the need is shared among the allies in...
27.09.2024|Ministry of Defence
Procuring ammunition is the focus of the Estonian defence budget
The State Budget Strategy approved by the government on Wednesday adds 1.6 billion euros for the purchase of long-range ammunition until 2031. In coming years, Estonia will invest up to a quarter of its defence budget in ammunition.
“I am grateful to the people of Estonia who have enabled us...
06.09.2024|Ministry of Defence
Estonian Minister of Defence Pevkur in Ramstein: Let Ukraine Strike Russian air bases
At the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, held yesterday and today at the Ramstein Air Base, defence ministers were briefed on Ukraine’s critical needs, the situation on the battlefield, and the current state of military aid. In addition, Estonian Minister of Defence Pevkur met bilaterally with...
30.08.2024|Ministry of Defence
Estonian Defence Minister at EU meeting: Ukraine cannot fight with one hand tied behind its back
At the informal meeting of the European Union Defence Ministers held today in Brussels, member states discussed military support for Ukraine and issues concerning the EU's defence readiness.
"While the Ukrainian success in Kursk is inspiring, we must remind ourselves that they are fighting with...
24.08.2024|Ministry of Defence
U.S. Air Force Secretary Kendall: we will continue to work together to deter our adversaries
Visiting Estonia this week, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall met with Permanent Secretary Kusti Salm to discuss bilateral and regional defense cooperation, as well as the broader security situation. In addition, Secretary Kendall visited the Ämari Air Base.
"Russia's war of aggression...
14.08.2024|Ministry of Defence
Estonian Ministry of Defence and Helsing OÜ sign joint statement on AI-driven defence cooperation
Today, the Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Gundbert Scherf, Co-founder and Co-CEO of European Defence-AI company Helsing, signed a joint statement to affirm a shared commitment to advancing Estonia's defence capabilities through the development and application of artificial...
09.08.2024|Ministry of Defence
Defence Minister Pevkur awards Cross of Merit II Class to Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur presented Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus, who was on his farewell visit to Estonia, with the Order of Merit II Class of the Ministry of Defence in recognition of his contribution to defence cooperation between Lithuania and Estonia.
“...
26.07.2024|Ministry of Defence
Pevkur nominates Kaimo Kuusk as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur nominates diplomat Kaimo Kuusk, who has been the Estonian Ambassador to Lithuania from 2023, as the candidate for the post of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.
48-year old Kaimo Kuusk was the Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine from 2019-2023. From 1998-...
24.07.2024|Ministry of Defence
Pevkur in Washington: Austin reaffirms long-term commitment to Estonian security
Yesterday, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur discussed bilateral defence cooperation and capability development perspectives with US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin in Washington.
“At the NATO summit here two weeks ago, the unity and strength of the allies was evident, and this is also reflected...
05.07.2024|Ministry of Defence
Mission medals awarded to German Air Force personnel in Estonia
On Wednesday, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur awarded mission medals to the German Air Force personnel who participated in the mission of the Deployable Control and Reporting Centre (DCRC, callsign ’REDHAWK’) at the Estonian Ämari Air Base.
"The NATO air policing mission is a crucial...