Last week, the Estonian Navy escorted the tanker Jaguar, belonging to the Russian auxiliary fleet, in the Baltic Sea. The vessel did not comply with orders and entered the Russian economic zone. The Russian Air Force sent two fighter jets to secure the ship.
Experts said that this demonstrated Estonia's political decision-making and military capability. Former Defense Forces Commander Herem stated that Estonia has the capability both alone and in cooperation with allies.
Herem said that Estonia's capability has not decreased over the past two years. He emphasized that Estonia can board the vessel in cooperation with the police and border guard. There is also the capability to receive support from the air.
Herem noted that the government must authorize boarding the vessel. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that the plan did not include boarding the ship. Herem said that it is not correct to say now that the navy was intimidated by the Russian fighter jets.
Herem believed that the situation was likely not intended to escalate. The ship left Estonian waters, and that objective was achieved. The vessel is currently anchored in Russia's Primorsk port.
Herem emphasized that the Baltic Sea does not belong only to Estonia, and this ship could be a threat to other countries. Estonia can cooperate with NATO, the Czech Republic, or other countries. Estonia also has sufficient capabilities to board the ship alone.
Herem said that the government must decide how to respond when the next unflagged vessel enters Estonian waters. The government has more information and is responsible for it.