Estonia is reviewing its defense plan to improve air and maritime defense capabilities.
What happened
Defense Minister Martin Herem stated that the 10-year defense development plan, which was issued by the Ministry of Defense in the spring, requires updates due to changes in air defense that have emerged from the war in Ukraine.
Herem mentioned that keeping shipping lanes open, particularly in the Gulf of Finland, is crucial for Estonia's trade, with 80% of its trade taking place by sea. He also emphasized the need to enhance air defense capabilities, including the potential acquisition of light fighter jets to counter threats such as cheap cruise missiles and jet-powered drones.
Herem believes that acquiring light fighter jets is a realistic prospect, but it would require a review of the broader air defense picture and consideration of the necessary funding and resources. The commander of the Defense Forces provided additional input on the national defense development plan, which included recommendations on air defense and the potential procurement of light fighter jets.
Herem is set to discuss these issues at the National Defense Council, which reports to the president, and plans to present concrete proposals sometime this year.
