If a drone had entered Estonian airspace, NATO fighters would have been immediately scrambled. This was stated by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Fredi Karu.
Fighters take off when an unknown object enters Estonian airspace. They go and check what it is. How they act depends on the situation. All procedures are in place.
The Defense Forces have various means against drones. For example, electronic means or missiles. Drones can attack anything, especially airbases and command points.
The Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, said that the police and border guard monitored the drone over Lake Peipsi. They notified the Defense Forces. Karu said that the cooperation between the police and the Defense Forces works well.
Taro believes that cooperation between the police and the Defense Forces can be improved. Currently, the police deal with low-flying objects. Higher-flying objects are the responsibility of the Defense Forces. This division may need to be changed.
Taro said that fighters should not be scrambled for every drone. It is too expensive. More effective ways to stop drones need to be found.
According to him, a "drone wall" needs to be created. This will require about 200 million euros over four years.
Russia's war in Ukraine is making the situation more dangerous. Estonia must be ready, as the risks are high.
On Sunday, a drone fell into Lake Peipsi on the Russian side. The drone was destroyed due to an explosion. Before that, drones were flying in the Leningrad region. Ukraine attacked Russian facilities with drones.