Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Estonia is developing its defense capabilities. The new development plan will help the defense industry.
The previous plan ended in 2028. The new plan has more funding. The funding will go towards new weapons systems and innovation. For example, we will purchase new cruise missiles and ballistic air defense.
Robotics is important. We already have maritime drones and artificial intelligence. Maritime drones have already been tested. They will assist in defense.
Estonia is taking a loan from Europe. The loan could be around three to four billion euros. The Ministry of Finance will provide more details.
Estonian industry will receive funding. Approximately 50 million euros will go towards innovation and development. This will help Estonian industries grow. We will also purchase goods produced in Estonia to aid Ukraine.
Estonia's defense industry must be fast and competitive. We are collaborating with Ukraine's industry. This gives us a good price and tested products.
We do not produce everything in Estonia. For example, we do not manufacture tanks or air defense systems. However, we produce drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence domestically. These will assist us in defense.