Allied and Partner Relations

The political and military role of the United States in the security of the Baltic region is of critical importance, and Estonia has for years maintained close and multifaceted bilateral defence relations with the US. Strong partnership with the US reinforces both Estonia’s independent defence capabilities and broader deterrence and defence on NATO’s eastern flank.

Bilateral cooperation between Estonia and the US includes the US military presence in Estonia, joint military training, participation in international missions, joint projects in cyber defence and capability development, special forces cooperation, and much more. In recent years, the US has regularly conducted large-scale exercises in the Baltic region, such as Saber Strike for ground forces and the naval exercise BALTOPS. Participation in these exercises enhances interoperability among Allied forces in both crisis and wartime conditions, while sending a strong deterrence message. Cyber defence and related areas, such as the security of 5G technologies, have also become increasingly important in Estonia–US cooperation.

In December 2023, Estonia and the US signed a defence cooperation agreement for 2024–2028. Key areas of cooperation include the US military presence in Estonia, the US contribution to the development of the Estonian division, cyber defence cooperation, and joint capability development in the Baltic States.

The US has made significant contributions to the development of Estonia’s independent defence capabilities. In 2026, the US Congress, for the first time, included defence assistance to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in law under the Baltic Security Initiative, providing a total of USD 200 million for the three countries. Between 2022 and 2025, the US allocated over half a billion dollars in defence assistance to Estonia, enabling the rapid development of independent strike capabilities, procurement of ammunition, and acquisition of communication systems. Among many other projects, US investments have significantly modernised the infrastructure at Ämari Air Base, from where Allied fighter jets conduct Baltic Air Policing.

Estonian and US units have participated together in various international missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Estonian Defence League maintains close and multifaceted cooperation with its US partners, particularly the Maryland National Guard, a partnership that dates back to the early years following Estonia’s restoration of independence.

US support in Estonia also extends to defence institutions based in the country, including the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, the NATO Force Integration Unit in Tallinn, and the Baltic Defence College in Tartu.

Close and long-standing bilateral political and military relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom (UK) are based on direct military cooperation in Afghanistan. Estonian Defence Forces personnel served as part of a UK battalion there for a total of eight years (2006–2014), and cooperation resumed in 2018.

The UK is one of Estonia’s closest allies within NATO and makes the largest direct contribution to Estonia’s security. Since spring 2017, the UK has acted as the framework nation for the NATO battlegroup stationed in Estonia. The British contribution consists of a mechanised infantry battalion of approximately 700 troops. In addition, since 2023, the UK has been the framework nation for the Forward Land Forces (FLF) brigade assigned to reinforce Estonia. This role is fulfilled by the UK-based 4th Light Brigade, which is maintained at high readiness.

Estonia is also a member of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which allows cooperation at political, strategic, operational and tactical levels. Estonia also actively takes part in the UK- and France-led Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine.

The UK has contributed many times to NATO Baltic Air Policing, and British participation in military exercises in Estonia and the wider region has grown significantly over the years. The UK also plays an important role in JEF military exercises.

Estonia and the UK cooperate closely within NATO’s civil–military innovation initiative DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), established at the 2021 NATO Summit, as well as within the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF). The aim is to strengthen NATO’s and its Allies’ capacity for innovation, improve the involvement of start-ups in developing technologies in line with Alliance needs, and protect technologies through controlled capital investment. Under DIANA, NATO-wide networks of start-up accelerators and test centres, as well as a trusted capital database, are being established.

During Exercise SIIL in spring 2025, the deployment of the UK 4th Light Brigade was practised. More than 3,000 troops were deployed from the UK to Estonia within 48 hours. The exercise involved the use of land, sea and air transport to move personnel and equipment. It provided valuable experience for both UK and Estonian forces in operating in a complex environment, using different transport methods, and understanding the link between credible deterrence and logistics.

In summer 2024, following the damage to critical undersea infrastructure, the UK-led JEF exercise Nordic Warden took place in the Baltic Sea. The exercise demonstrated JEF’s presence and aimed to deter the activities of the Russian Federation’s shadow fleet in the region

Defence cooperation between Estonia and France is close both bilaterally and within international organisations and formats. Direct military cooperation with France has taken place in Mali under Operation Barkhane. Estonia joined the French-led operation in 2018 and contributed continuously with a contingent of around 50 personnel. In 2020, Estonia doubled its contribution: in addition to an infantry platoon, special operations units were deployed to Mali under Task Force Takuba. Their main task was to train Malian forces. In 2022, the Takuba partners announced their decision to end Operation Barkhane and the activities of Task Force Takuba in Mali.

France is also a very close partner in cyber defence, with both countries exchanging technical information and participating in each other’s exercises.

For Estonia, it is very important that France contributes to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), now known as Forward Land Forces (FLF), on the Alliance’s eastern flank. A French company equipped with tanks contributed to Estonia’s eFP in 2017 and 2019 and returned to Tapa base on a continuous basis in 2021. In addition, France contributes a battalion-sized unit to the UK-based high-readiness reinforcement brigade. France has also taken part in NATO Baltic Air Policing from Ämari Air Base in 2018, 2020 and 2022, as well as repeatedly from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.

In 2018, Estonia was the only Central and Eastern European country invited to join the European Intervention Initiative (EI2), launched by President Macron. This framework includes regular political and military consultations. Estonia and France have also cooperated in EU and UN missions in Mali, including the EU Training Mission (EUTM), the civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Mali, and the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA, as well as in the international military operation against ISIL in Iraq (Operation Inherent Resolve).

Defence cooperation between the Baltic states is deeper and broader than ever before, covering virtually all areas of national defence and all branches of the armed forces.

The most notable formats of Baltic (3B) defence cooperation include the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP), the air surveillance network BALTNET, and joint participation in exercises. Cooperation in protecting shared interests within NATO and through allied presence is also very important. Increasingly, the Baltic states are exploring opportunities for cooperation in crisis preparedness, capability development, military mobility, and joint procurement.

The Baltic Defence College, located in Tartu, was established in 1998 under an intergovernmental agreement between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Its purpose is to provide officers from the Baltic states, as well as from allied and partner countries, with NATO-standard education in English. The College offers internationally recognised English-language military higher education at levels 3 and 4. 

The integrated air surveillance system BALTNET ensures the security of Baltic airspace from three control centres – in Tallinn, Lielvārde in Latvia, and Karmėlava in Lithuania. These centres continuously monitor the airspace of all three countries, feed the air picture into NATO systems, and direct NATO fighters responsible for air policing.

The NATO Baltic Air Policing mission has been conducted since 2004, when allies began contributing to the mission in rotations of three to four months, deploying their fighter aircraft to Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania. Following the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine in February 2014, it was decided in April 2014 to strengthen Baltic Air Policing by adding Ämari Air Base in Estonia as a second operating base. The airspace of the Baltic states is usually monitored by a total of eight allied fighter jets (four at Ämari and four at Šiauliai).

For many years, the Baltic states have participated with significant forces in each other’s major national exercises, such as Kevadtorm and SIIL in Estonia, Namejs in Latvia, and Iron Wolf in Lithuania. In addition, the region hosts numerous joint exercises coordinated by NATO allies.

Over the years, Germany and Estonia have developed extensive defence cooperation, covering joint participation in operations and exercises, military education, cyber defence collaboration, and procurement. Germany has actively taken part in exercises and joint training events in Estonia, including the large-scale exercises Kevadtorm and SIIL.

Germany has been one of the most active supporters of the Baltic Defence College in Estonia and the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence since the establishment of both institutions. Germany has also made a significant contribution to NATO Baltic Air Policing, carrying out a total of eight rotations at Ämari Air Base since 2014.

One of the most important recent cooperation projects was the procurement of a mobile field hospital for Ukraine, produced in Estonia and funded by Germany, with training for its use conducted by the Estonian Defence Forces. Germany has also contributed very actively to support for Ukraine through the IT coalition framework led by Estonia and Luxembourg.

The strong partnership between Estonia and Ukraine is based on shared values and a common understanding of the price of freedom. Since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, a special bond has developed between the two countries. The people of Estonia feel deeply for the suffering of the Ukrainian people caused by the aggressor and support Ukraine both in words and actions. At the same time, the courage, resilience, and resourcefulness of Ukrainians have inspired Estonians and reinforced their belief that freedom can be successfully defended even in difficult circumstances.

This mutual support and respect is also reflected in practical and close defence cooperation, involving ministries, agencies, defence forces, and volunteer organisations. Estonia was among the first countries to provide military assistance to Ukraine even before 24 February 2022, sending Javelin anti-tank missile systems. Since the start of the full-scale war, Estonia has provided over €800 million in military aid to Ukraine – about 2% of its GDP – making it one of the world leaders in per capita support.

In addition to Javelin anti-tank missile systems, Estonia has donated howitzers, artillery and mortar ammunition, anti-tank mines, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, mortars, various land and water vehicles, diving equipment, naval uniforms, observation devices, sights, communications and information technology equipment, medical supplies, personal protective equipment (helmets and more), and dry rations. In cooperation with Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, Estonia has donated three field hospitals and medical supplies to Ukraine.

Alongside providing material aid, Estonian instructors have trained approximately 2000 Ukrainian service members since the start of the full-scale war, directly contributing to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Estonia also co-leads, together with Luxembourg, the IT coalition of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein Group). The coalition’s goal is to help improve Ukraine’s combat capabilities and support the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces in establishing secure IT infrastructure in line with NATO standards. To date, 18 countries have joined the IT coalition, contributing more than €1.3 billion in financial and material aid, focusing on critical IT tools for Ukraine such as data centres, network equipment, satellite and tactical communications systems, and end-user devices.

Estonia and Ukraine are also developing increasingly important defence industry cooperation. Both countries have innovative defence companies that develop modern, high-level solutions, ranging from unmanned systems and communications equipment to cyber defence and battlefield technologies. Close contacts have already been established between Estonian and Ukrainian companies, and growing opportunities are being identified for joint projects, technology transfers, and manufacturing cooperation.

Cooperation in the defence industry not only contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities in the ongoing war but also supports the development of Estonia’s defence industry, thereby enhancing the country’s own national defence.

Poland is a very important regional ally for Estonia, with bilateral defence cooperation steadily increasing in recent years. The Baltic states and Poland work together to strengthen NATO’s collective defence, including participating in joint exercises and improving interoperability. For years Poland has contributed significantly to Estonian exercises Kevadtorm and SIIL. For example, Polish units have brought a coastal defence battery to Estonia for training purposes.

Poland has participated in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission 13 times, including two occasions (2020 and 2023) when air policing was carried out from Ämari Air Base. Poland is also actively involved in the work of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and the NFIU, and sends instructors and students to the Baltic Defence College in Tartu. As an important part of NATO’s force structure, the HQ Multinational Corps Northeast is located in Szczecin, Poland, where Estonian officers are also serving.

The solidarity and interoperability of the Estonian and Polish armed forces were further strengthened in 2021 by Estonia’s rapid support to Poland during the hybrid crisis at the border caused by Belarus. Estonia has also procured various weapon systems from Poland, including the PIORUN short-range air defence systems.

Estonia has traditionally maintained close defence cooperation with the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Finland and Sweden joining NATO has opened even wider opportunities for regional military cooperation. For example, Estonia exchanges air and maritime surveillance data with Finland and Sweden to strengthen security in the Baltic Sea.

Denmark

Bilateral defence cooperation with Denmark is based on strong contacts and long-standing traditions. In the 1990s, Denmark was one of the main supporters and mentors for the development of Estonia’s defence institutions. Denmark has repeatedly contributed to the Baltic Air Policing mission, including carrying out the first air policing rotation from Ämari in 2014. Today, Denmark’s main contribution to regional defence is the battalion based in Latvia and its leadership role in the NATO Multinational Division North alongside our southern neighbours.

Finland

Defence cooperation between Finland and Estonia is very close at both military and defence policy levels. Estonian and Finnish forces participate in each other’s major exercises (Finnish forces at Estonia’s Kevadtorm and SIIL exercises, Estonian forces with CV90 vehicles at Finland’s Arrow exercise). Many Estonian officers have also completed part of their military education in Finland.

Finland is a valuable partner for Estonia in procurement. Several successful joint procurements have been carried out, where cooperation with Finland, the larger partner, has allowed equipment to be acquired at significantly better prices. Joint purchases have included, for example, radar systems and K9 self-propelled howitzers. Procuring similar equipment also enables close cooperation in maintenance and training. The most recent major joint procurement project was the acquisition of naval mines from Finland in 2021.

Finland is also an important partner in capability development projects, including the exchange of professional expertise (for example, armoured manoeuvre capabilities, medium-range air defence, and maintenance of heavy equipment). Cooperation has become particularly relevant with the introduction of CV90 vehicles in Estonia (also used by Finland) and in relation to K9s. Estonia and Finland also participate together in the EU defence cooperation PESCO project on unmanned land systems (iMUGS).

Sweden

Estonia’s bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation with Sweden has been close since Estonia regained independence, and it has grown even stronger in recent years following Sweden’s accession to NATO. Shared alliances within NATO provide greater opportunities to develop defence cooperation, and fundamentally, Sweden’s (and Finland’s) NATO membership has strengthened both Baltic Sea regional and transatlantic security. Sweden’s contribution to the Multinational Brigade Latvia and its role as framework nation in the FLF unit being established in Finland show that Sweden takes its new responsibilities as a NATO ally seriously.

Estonian and Swedish experts meet regularly to identify new joint procurement projects. Cooperation is also developing in the field of exercises: the Estonian Defence League has participated in the Swedish Aurora large-scale exercise, and during Aurora, we have hosted Swedish fighter jets at Ämari Air Base. In turn, Swedish forces have participated in our SIIL exercise with a medical support team. Partnership is also growing between the Defence League and the Swedish Home Guard, with particularly close cooperation between the Estonian Defence League’s Saaremaa Battalion and the Swedish Home Guard unit on Gotland. The potential for cooperation is also strong between the two countries’ navies

Norway

Norway is an important ally for Estonia both within NATO and in the Nordic region. Norway has helped Estonia develop a system for receiving and supporting allied forces. The two countries also cooperate closely on procurements. One of the most significant bilateral projects in recent years was the acquisition of CV90 infantry fighting vehicle hulls. In 2018, a cooperation agreement on procurements as well as research and development was signed. The Estonian Defence League also cooperates with the Norwegian Home Guard.

Nordic-Baltic Defence Cooperation (NB8)

In addition to bilateral cooperation, Estonia is linked to the Nordic countries through the Nordic-Baltic defence framework, known as NB8. A practical example of NB8 cooperation is the Legio initiative, led by Norway, which brings together the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and Poland to support Ukraine. Under Legio, Ukraine receives both material assistance (weapons, equipment) and military training for its armed forces. Legio also helps maintain the confidence and morale of the Ukrainian population and sends a clear message to the Russian Federation about the unity of allies and their long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. 

Estonia joined the training mission in 2025 and will continue to contribute in 2026, both in planning training and providing instructors. This provides Estonia with versatile and valuable experience. International cooperation improves the teaching skills of our instructors, while mentors with frontline experience bring combat lessons directly into the training, helping to develop Estonia’s own training system.

Estonia also cooperates with the four Nordic countries in several other regional formats, including the Nordic Defence Group and the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) framework. These countries are also members of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence based in Tallinn. The Nordic countries have helped establish the Baltic Defence College and continue to send students and instructors to the institution.

In recent years, Estonia’s defence cooperation with southern European countries has also intensified.

Spain

Spain has repeatedly contributed to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, both at Ämari (2015, 2017, 2023) and Šiauliai. Spain has also deployed its NASAMS air defence system to Estonia on two occasions (2023, 2024). Cooperation extends to training, exercises, and overseas operations. Estonian Defence Forces personnel regularly attend targeting courses with the Spanish Air Force. Estonia has also cooperated with Spain in Iraq under NATO Training and Capacity Building in Iraq  (NTCB-I) and in the Mediterranean during Operation EUNAVFOR MED Sophia.
Italy has contributed to the Baltic states’ air policing from both Ämari and Šiauliai. 

Italy

Italy has contributed to the Baltic states’ air policing from both Ämari and Šiauliai.

At Ämari, an Italian Air Force unit has been deployed four times, most recently from autumn 2025 to spring 2026, when Italy brought its SAMP-T air defence system to Estonia for the first time.

Within NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, Italy contributes in Latvia, where Canada is the framework nation. Italy has been represented in the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence since 2008. Italy is one of the centre’s founding members and has so far sent two personnel to work there.

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a coalition of the willing initiated and led by the United Kingdom. JEF brings together like-minded countries with a shared sense of security, generally ready to contribute quickly and flexibly to operations across the full spectrum of military and crisis management tasks, from humanitarian crises to conventional warfare. JEF can operate independently or as part of a larger military formation. Its use is flexible – potential operations can be initiated and joined by all or only some of the member states.

JEF focuses on security in the Baltic Sea region and the northern Atlantic, thereby strengthening defence and deterrence in the Baltic states. The United Kingdom sees JEF’s primary role as being a first responder in the event of a conflict in Northern Europe, and more specifically in the Baltic region. This makes enhancing and streamlining interoperability between partner countries, as well as close cooperation with NATO, essential. Regular exercises are a key component of strengthening JEF’s defence and deterrence posture in the Baltic region. A good example is the JEF large-scale exercise Tarassis in 2025, which included phases covering areas from the far north down to the Estonian coast.

The JEF member states are the United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and the Netherlands.

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One of the United Nations’ key tools for maintaining peace and stability is peacekeeping missions. Currently, the UN has 13 peacekeeping missions, roughly half of which are in Africa. These missions involve over 100,000 peacekeepers – soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel – from more than 120 countries.
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