Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that Estonia's air defense will become multi-layered in the coming years.
The state will invest over 200 million euros in drone defense. An air defense brigade will also be established in the defense forces.
Drone detection and defense positions will be built on the eastern border. This will cost approximately five million euros.
Based on Ukraine's experience, a drone defense and monitoring system will be created. This will cover the eastern border and four major cities.
The plan is to invest over 20 million euros in drone defense systems.
The system is expected to be operational by 2027 at the latest.
An air defense brigade will be established for multi-layered air defense.
In the coming years, Estonia will receive IRIS-T air defense systems. Additional deliveries of Mistral and Piorun missiles will also be included.
Over the next four years, nearly 364 million euros are planned to be invested in enhancing drone capabilities.
214 million will be allocated for acquiring drone monitoring systems. The remainder will be used to develop offensive capabilities.
Currently, the defense forces use machine guns and anti-aircraft artillery to detect drones.
During peacetime, Estonia ensures that people's lives remain undisturbed while countering drones.
Means of countering drones should not harm people.
During peacetime, weapons will not be fired towards neighboring countries near the border.
Different rules apply in wartime.
NATO fighter jets monitor Estonia's airspace.
The Defense League and PPA monitor airspace using radars.
Currently, there is no immediate military threat to Estonia.
The drones reaching Estonia are side effects of the war in Ukraine.
On March 27, the draft proposal was sent for coordination. This will expand drone monitoring and defense capabilities.