What happened
Estonia's Defense Minister Martin Herem has stated that the country must accelerate its defense preparations due to the increasing threat from Russia once its war in Ukraine ends. Herem emphasizes the need to strengthen air defenses and ensure public understanding of the risks and how to respond.
The Defense Minister has been working on a threat assessment, which includes the possibility of Russia increasing its threat to Estonia dramatically after the war in Ukraine ends. Herem believes that Estonia should be prepared for this scenario and has been making preparations and drawing up plans to strengthen the country's defenses.
Herem has also been focusing on educating the public about the threats and possible scenarios, using visualizations and maps to explain the risks and measures that can be taken to reduce or mitigate them. He believes that this approach is essential to reduce anxiety and ensure that people understand what to expect in case of a military conflict.
Estonia's defense capability is improving, with the delivery of ammunition and military equipment, including HIMARS systems from the United States. However, the country still needs to develop its capabilities, particularly in terms of long-range ammunition, which is currently in short supply.
The Defense Minister is also working on drafting Estonia's next 10-year national defense development plan, which will focus on establishing a clear understanding of the Baltic Sea situation and ensuring society's preparedness for potential threats.
